Insights
Stay informed with the latest legal updates, expert commentary and practical advice from the team at Miller Harris Lawyers.
First Home Buyer Grant – things to know
Time is running out to gain the $20,000 first home buyer grant… To find out more, view the printable information sheet here.
New Guidelines for the Issuing of Environmental Protection Orders
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 (“the Act”) deals with, amongst other things, the issuing of Environmental Protection Orders (“EPO’s”). In April 2016, amendments were made to the Act as a result of the introduction of the Environmental Protection (Chain of...
Uber drivers to register for GST
Uber launched in Cairns today and more than 3000 Cairns residents have applied to become Uber drivers. The recent decision of the Federal Court in Uber B.V. v Commissioner of Taxation [2017] FCA 110 will be of particular interest to those in the Far North who have...
Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria v Gibson [2017] FCA 240
Yesterday the Federal Court handed down a decision finding Annabelle Natalie Gibson guilty of three representations that amounted to misleading and deceptive conduct in trade and commerce, under the Australian Consumer Law. The case against Ms Gibson has been well...
How to choose the right family law solicitor for you
The trauma of separation or divorce Separation and divorce has been widely recognised as one of the most traumatic life events people experience. Somehow, through the emotional upset and often grief people experience at this time, they are required to deal with...
Update: Workplace Discrimination
The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (“Tribunal”) has recently awarded an employee $24,000.00 in compensation on the basis that her employer discriminated against her after she contracted tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacterial...
Thinking of buying a second hand vehicle, watercraft, caravan or motorcycle?
If you are considering buying a second hand motorcycle, trailer, caravan, watercraft, aircraft or other ‘vehicle’ from a private seller then you should always consider conducting a Personal Property Securities Register (“PPSR”) search. Conducting a search is important...
Building and Construction Industry Reform – Security of Payment
The Queensland Government is currently undertaking public consultation on a suite of proposed law reforms for the building and constructions industry. A key component of the proposed reforms is improved security of payment for sub-contractors. The planned changes...
Amendments to the Privacy Act on Cyber Security
Notifying customers of data breaches that could cause serious harm will now be mandatory for entities under the Privacy Act following the enactment of the Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Bill 2016. The amendments come as a result of record data breaches...
Solar Energy at Miller Harris Lawyers
It was an exciting day today as Miller Harris Lawyers’ solar energy system was officially ‘switched on’ for the first time. “This is the culmination of a number of months work and it is great to see the system now up and running.” Miller Harris Lawyers Director of...
How do the changes to penalty rates affect you?
Yesterday the Fair Work Commission handed down a decision to vary the current Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for employees in the retail, hospitality, fast food, restaurant and pharmacy industries. At this point in time, no changes have been made to the...
What not to do in family leasing arrangements – Doueihi v Constructions Technologies Australia
This recent case is another costly lesson on the importance of formalising leasing and other legal arrangements even if they are between family or friends. The case particularly considers the principles of estoppel by encouragement. Estoppel by encouragement Where a...
Queensland Body Corporate Law Reform: Could you be forced to sell?
The Queensland Government is considering law reform to the Body Corporate Community Management Act (“the Act”) that could force unit owners to sell their homes against their will if 75% of the owners in the scheme agree. Under the current laws, termination of a...
PPSA Update
In the Matter of OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2017] NSWSC 21 The recent decision of the New South Wales Supreme Court in OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd illustrates (once again) the importance of strictly complying with the technical rules...
Bodies Corporate obligation to act reasonably: Ainsworth v Albrecht
In the recent decision of the High Court in Ainsworth v Albrecht [2016] HCA 40 the court considered a body corporate’s decision to refuse a lot owner permission to expand the balcony of his town house. The facts Mr Albrecht, a lot owner within a Community Titles...