Amendments to the Franchising Code of Conduct have been in the woodworks for some time now and the proposed amendments are to take effect from 1 January 2015.
News
Consumer Guarantees
turned_in_notConsumer Law; Statutory Guarantees
The Australian Consumer Law (“ACL”) provides for certain statutory guarantees in relation to the supply of goods and services to consumers. Although this article will only focus on the supply of goods, statutory guarantees are provided under the legislation to protect consumers. Who is a consumer?
Wills Keep Producing Suprising Results for Left Behind Family Members
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland (and soon to be Governor) on 24 April 2014 delivered a judgment in the matter of Whitla (as administrator of the estate of Allan James Launchbury)(the Applicant) v. Barbara Jane Launchbury (the First Respondent) and Jonathon David Launchbury.
Relief from PAMDA Red Tape as Property Occupations Bill is Passed
turned_in_notConveyancing
On 7 May 2014 the Property Occupations Bill 2013 (the Bill) was passed by Parliament. The objectives of the Bill are to provide for the repeal and split of the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMDA). The Bill is one of four Bills that will split…
Warning to Business Operators: New Insurance Gap Exposed!
The State Government changed the workers’ compensation legislation late last year such that workers who are injured in the course of their employment from 15 October 2013 will not be able
to sue their employer for common law damages, unless their degree of permanent impairment (DPI) exceeds 5%.
Domestic Violence Goes to Work
Domestic violence rates in Australia are an epidemic with horrific levels of violence.
Guardianship/Administrator Applications – Planning For Special Needs Adults
turned_in_notGuardianship, Powers of Attorney
In a former life, before I moved to Australia, I was employed by a Catholic School as an Educational Assistant (“EA”) to assist teachers. Educational Assistants need to be skilled to address the needs of different exceptionalities, including but not…
Workplace Bullying and Harassment Complaints – A Cautionary Tale for Employers
Sussan Corporation (Aust) Pty Ltd [2014] QSC 64 the Supreme Court of Queensland has demonstrated that failing to deal with workplace bullying and harassment complaints by employees can be a costly mistake.
Employer Obligation to Maintain Equipment
turned_in_notPersonal Injury, Workers' Compensation
The recent Supreme Court decision of Verney v The Mac Services Group Pty Ltd highlights the need for employers to maintain tools and equipment so as to avoid exposing workers to unnecessary risks of injury.
The Racial Discrimination Act and “the Right to be Bigots”
turned_in_notDiscrimination
Over the past month there has been some fiery political rhetoric on “free speech” and the proposed amendments to the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 ‘the Act’).
