Latest publications
Down, down, prices are down … or are they?
In Brief Retailers must not mislead customers about the amount of money they are saving during advertised sale periods. ACCC v Jewellery Group Pty Limited (No 2) [2013] FCA 14 Last month, the Federal Court found that Zamel’s Jewellers engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and made false or misleading representations by distributing…
When do I need a new will?
As a general rule you should have your Will amended (or get a new Will drafted if amending isn’t possible) when you experience a major change in your life or a significant event, for example: You plan to get married. Saying those magical words “I do” may revoke your existing Will. For peace of mind…
Construction Industry Insolvency
In Brief In August 2012 the NSW Government announced an Inquiry into Construction Industry Insolvency in NSW. The Inquiry released its Discussion and Issues Paper in October 2012 which proposes a number of potential remedial measures for the industry. Construction Industry Insolvency in NSW In August 2012 the NSW Government announced an Inquiry into…
What not to say in the office
Why are there things I can and cannot say in the office? What is and what is not appropriate behaviour in the workplace has traditionally been derided as simply a matter of common sense and questioned on the basis: why would we seek to prescribe common sense? In case you find yourself nodding…
Down, down, prices are down … or are they?
In Brief Retailers must not mislead customers about the amount of money they are saving during advertised sale periods. ACCC v Jewellery Group Pty Limited (No 2) [2013] FCA 14 Last month, the Federal Court found that Zamel’s Jewellers engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and made false or misleading representations by distributing…
Important Changes to Employment Law for 2013
Fair Work Changes Various amendments made to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) came into force on 1 January 2013. A significant change is to the time periods within which dismissal applications must be lodged with the renamed Fair Work Commission (formerly Fair Work Australia): The time for lodging an unfair dismissal claim increases…
Commonwealth Penalty Units to Rise by end 2012
The monetary amount of penalties for offences under Commonwealth legislation are set to increase significantly by the end of 2012 under legislation recently passed by Parliament. The legislation implementing the increase is contained in the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious Drugs, Identity Crime and Other Measures) Bill 2012, which was assented to…
Cheaper online option for patent applications
IP Australia’s Patent Office has introduced an online facility that now gives patent applicants and owners an easy and secure system for the electronic filing of patent applications and the ongoing management of those applications and any granted patents. Applicants (or their patent attorneys) can now apply online for: a provisional application…
Corporate update
In Brief The corporate team discuss recent developments concerning side deals and indemnities in commercial contracts as well as directors’ liability changes in NSW, changes in Work Health and Safety Laws and changes to corporate penalties. Side Deals Adicho v Dankeith Homes Pty Ltd [2012] NSWCA 316 Any side deals and collateral contracts should be…
Can an employer ban tattoos in the workplace?
In Brief The visible tattoos that individuals adorn their bodies with can become the subject of discussion in the workplace. There is a diversity of opinion as to whether tattoos are a positive, negative or neutral presence in the workplace. This article discusses whether an employer can prevent tattoos in the workplace. Tattooing…