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06 May 2021

Is it a conflict of interest if the administrator of the estate is also a beneficiary?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

These days, most people have superannuation. Indeed, some people have hundreds ...

04 May 2021

“I deserve compensation for my skiing injuries, because the other skier was negligent.” Which case won?

by Rita Yousef, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

In August 2014, a ski instructor employed at a NSW ski resort collided with ...

29 Apr 2021

Jail sentence more likely than ever for domestic violence offences or breach of AVO in NSW

by John Gooley, Hornsby

Since the introduction of new laws in June 2020, sentencing has toughened up for...

28 Apr 2021

The unbroken yellow line in NSW – watch out or cop a Level 4 fine

by John Gooley, Hornsby

Continuous yellow edge line covers many parking situations The vast majority of...

21 Apr 2021

Unable to work? You might be able to claim on your super insurance

by Lenece Pek, Forster

Many people who are suffering hardship are unaware they could get financial ...

20 Apr 2021

How do you stop a coal mine expansion? Which case won?

by Emma Wei, Hornsby

In 2006, a company began operating an open cut coal mine in the Upper Hunter, ...

16 Apr 2021

Online businesses must be wary of trademark infringement on the internet

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

With so many new small businesses, cottage industries and start-ups using the ...

14 Apr 2021

Parrot witness wouldn’t fly in an Australian court

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

African Grey parrot witnesses violent crime The parrot witnessed it all. Glenna...

08 Apr 2021

Peanut butter giants go head-to-head over yellow lids in packaging dispute

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

A heated legal battle over the yellow lids on peanut butter jars might seem a ...

06 Apr 2021

Should Australians have the “right to be forgotten” online?

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

In 2019, Germany’s highest court ruled that a man convicted of murder in 1982 ...

05 Apr 2021

“The court has to listen to this secret recording, it proves I should get my fair share of the estate!” Which case won?

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

A recent case in the NSW Supreme Court concerned the estate of a father with ...

25 Mar 2021

Internet trolls face huge penalties under proposed new laws

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Internet trolls, bullies, abusers and anyone who threatens another person or ...

23 Mar 2021

Horseplay in the workplace leads to $662,102 in damages

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

A certain amount of joking, skylarking and horseplay in the workplace is usually...

23 Mar 2021

“I introduced the buyer to the property, so I should get the commission.” Which case won?

by Nathan Stack, Taree

Two property sellers owned a 55-acre property containing a macadamia plantation ...

09 Mar 2021

Perils of a DIY will include increased risk of subsequent legal challenge

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

Now more than ever, it’s important to have a written will so you can make sure...

09 Mar 2021

“I was tricked into signing over my half of the family home, so I should be able to appeal the court order.” Which case won?

by Simone Timbs, Walcha

A husband and wife married in 1988. They had one child together, a daughter who ...

05 Mar 2021

Section 32 Mental Health Act provisions replaced by new legislation in NSW

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

New legislation has made specific changes to the old section 32 Mental Health ...

04 Mar 2021

Spy phone apps: privacy protection or illegal surveillance?

by Nick Burton, Hornsby

In a recent family law case, I came across an obscure app installed on a young ...

25 Feb 2021

How do you choose an executor for your will? – the horror story edition

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth and David Crossan, Tweed Heads

Part of a writing a will involves considering who you will appoint as executor ...

23 Feb 2021

Could a developer rescind off-the-plan contracts to cash in on a rising property market? Which case won?

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

In 2014, the vendor and several purchasers entered into contracts for the sale ...

18 Feb 2021

What is “duty of care” if you are injured?

by Phil Griffin, Bundall

A recent duty of care case involved a man who was walking inside The Star casino...

16 Feb 2021

Federal government announces capital gains tax relief for granny flat accommodation

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads and Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

You have ageing parents who don’t want to move into aged care. There is room ...

08 Feb 2021

Could a worker claim weekly compensation payments for a psychological injury that left him unable to work? Which case won?

by Michael Greene, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

A worker was recruited by an employer following a history of successful ...

05 Feb 2021

Police found to have conducted unlawful stop and search

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

Two men are spotted by police walking at night, not late, on a street in ...

03 Feb 2021

Posting defamatory conspiracy theories online can cost you

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

The Federal Court has awarded $875,000 in damages against a person who posted ...

29 Jan 2021

What is partial compulsory acquisition?

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

Partial compulsory acquisition is where part of your property is acquired by the...

25 Jan 2021

Can a daughter make a family provision claim against the estate of her long-dead father, to be paid for out of the estate of her recently deceased stepmother? Which case won?

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

The deceased and his first wife had two children. The deceased’s first wife ...

22 Jan 2021

De facto property settlement can be as complex as a marriage break up

by Rita Fisher, Leura

You commit to a relationship with your partner and move in together. You earn ...

20 Jan 2021

How squatters rights won a Sydney dunny lane

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

Supreme Court dispute over three square metres of land It’s not often the old...

14 Jan 2021

Do I need a lawyer to go to court?

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

So, you’re facing a charge by police and have to appear in court. Sure, you ...

12 Jan 2021

If a tree branch fell and caused damage to a grave, was the council negligent for not maintaining the tree? Which case won?

by Nick Burton, Hornsby

In June 2002, a man purchased three adjacent burial plots in a cemetery in ...

23 Dec 2020

Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship – the horror story edition

by David Crossan, Tweed Heads and Joshua Crowther, Taree

Having a power of attorney and an enduring guardianship is the basis of a solid ...

15 Dec 2020

Was the offender guilty of ongoing supply of a prohibited drug? Which case won?

by Peter Schmidt, Tamworth

The police established a strike force to investigate the illegal supply of drugs...

11 Dec 2020

Tree disputes: know your rights

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth and Kelly Brown, Tamworth

Tree disputes are among the most common points of contention between neighbours,...

10 Dec 2020

Dispute over fate of deceased body determined by consulting Facebook

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

Dying without a will can lead to all sorts of disputes among your loved ones, ...

09 Dec 2020

Life estate or right of residence? How to provide a home in your will

by Kelly Brown, Tamworth

You want to provide a home for your loved one in your will. You want your spouse...

08 Dec 2020

Can I leave an inheritance to my pets when I die?

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

We love our pets, and understandably we want to make sure they are well looked ...

03 Dec 2020

Drink driving licence suspension in NSW – is it worth challenging?

by Peter Schmidt, Tamworth

Penalties for drink driving and drug driving were fortified considerably in 2019...

02 Dec 2020

What is a directions hearing and how should I prepare for it?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

If you are involved in a legal dispute, you may be called before a court for a ...

01 Dec 2020

New laws protect purchasers from risk of building defects in NSW

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

Tough new laws governing construction, building defects and certification of ...

01 Dec 2020

Can a vendor terminate a contract for sale of land if the purchaser mistakenly pays the deposit to a cybercriminal? Which case won?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

A recent case in the NSW Supreme Court illustrates just how insidious cybercrime...

26 Nov 2020

Juror misconduct leads to quashed conviction and retrial

by Peter Schmidt, Tamworth

Jurors who play detective are the scourge of the courtroom. In 2019 an Adelaide ...

26 Nov 2020

High Court rules tax debt can be passed to spouse in divorce property settlement

by Ruth Whisker, Tweed Heads

In 2018, Australia’s High Court ruled that a tax debt of one spouse can be ...

17 Nov 2020

Can the relatives be cut out of a will and everything left to the neighbours instead? Which case won?

by Ian Graham, Forster

In 1996 an elderly aunt made a will, in which she left $100,000 to each of her ...

05 Nov 2020

Who is liable for a balcony collapse on a residential property? Which case won?

by Rita Yousef, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

The accident happened on 15 June 2012. Four people were injured when a balcony ...

20 Oct 2020

Was the NDIS required to fund the cost of a sex worker for a woman with severe disabilities? Which case won?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth and Kelly Brown, Tamworth

Seventeen years ago, a woman referred to as “W”, who is now in her forties, ...

15 Oct 2020

Sacking an employee who criticises your client is not unfair dismissal, says Federal Court

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

After a law firm was sued for sacking an employee who persisted in publicly ...

09 Oct 2020

Q&A: What are smokers’ rights in Australia?

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

As we’re often asked about smokers’ rights, we’ve provided a Q&A to ...

08 Oct 2020

Data underscores continuing grim reality of work-related fatalities in Australia

by Justin Stack, Taree

A shocking level of work-related fatalities is disclosed in the figures ...

05 Oct 2020

Can a deceased estate be forced to pay for an adult child’s transgender surgery? Which case won?

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

A 93-year-old man died on 22 March 2017. In his lifetime, he had survived the ...

02 Oct 2020

What is catfishing? And is it legal?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

There have been growing calls to make catfishing illegal and penalise those who ...

30 Sep 2020

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Non-Indigenous control of Aboriginal flag a surprise to many The furore over ...

29 Sep 2020

Redundancy must still be paid when a business loses contracts

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

The Federal Court has recently ruled that low paid workers who lose their job ...

24 Sep 2020

Classifying bus driver employees as contractors turns out to be costly

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

A recent decision in the Federal Circuit Court, where bus driver employees had ...

23 Sep 2020

Employers should heed Small Business Fair Dismissal Code when sacking employees

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

How an employer goes about sacking a worker can be crucial to determining ...

21 Sep 2020

Could the daughter evict her parents, or had she made a contractual promise that they could live in her house for life? Which case won?

by David Crossan, Tweed Heads

A husband and wife acquired a property in 1975. The husband, a builder, built ...

17 Sep 2020

Employers held responsible for domestic violence when staff work from home

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

The NSW Court of Appeal has ruled that employers can be held responsible for ...

16 Sep 2020

Covid-19 workers comp amendments broaden range of protected workers in NSW

by Chris Clarke, Tweed Heads

Further legislative changes have been made to workers compensation in NSW, ...

08 Sep 2020

Developer installs stormwater tank and timber deck instead of grass lawn. Could the purchasers rescind the contract? Which case won?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

In June 2017, the purchasers entered into an off-the-plan contract to buy a ...

28 Aug 2020

Posting fake reviews online could cost you thousands

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Did you know that posting fake reviews online about a business or professional ...

27 Aug 2020

NSW tenants and landlords may benefit from changes to residential tenancy laws

by Kelly Brown, Tamworth

NSW tenants and landlords need to be aware of the legal implications of new ...

24 Aug 2020

“But it was my inherited property, not hers.” How will a court split the assets in a divorce? Which case won?

by Nick Burton, Hornsby

The husband and wife met in 1988 and were married in 1991. They had three ...

21 Aug 2020

Companies can face billion dollar fines under Australian Consumer Law penalties

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth and Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

In 2018, new Australian Consumer Law legislation was passed by parliament. With ...

19 Aug 2020

Overseas assets and Australian wills case study: Dubai

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Do you own overseas assets? If the answer is yes, then you need to make sure ...

13 Aug 2020

Social media defamation: be cautious when posting or re-posting online comments, reviews and links

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

Publishers forced to check uncertain facts and seek legal advice As an ...

10 Aug 2020

“Shouldn’t I get a TPD payout if I’m injured and can’t work anymore?” – Which case won?

by Lenece Pek, Forster

The complainant was a 61-year-old man who had ...

07 Aug 2020

Australian man suing Google for defamation over search results linking him to criminals

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

A Melbourne businessman is suing Google for defamation in a case which could ...

26 Jul 2020

Did the bank have the right to close the escort agency’s business bank accounts? Which case won?

by Geoff Roberson, Parramatta

An Australian company ran an escort agency which operated openly and legally. ...

17 Jul 2020

Media companies can be held liable for social media posts by others, says NSW Supreme Court

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

A recent NSW Supreme Court judgement ruled major media outlets can be held ...

15 Jul 2020

Can you legally terminate a contract due to Covid-19?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Can you renegotiate a contract because of the impact of coronavirus? The ...

14 Jul 2020

Landlords seek early termination of lease due to hardship during Covid-19 pandemic – Which case won?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

A husband, his wife and two children lived with the husband’s elderly mother ...

10 Jul 2020

Untying the knot: how are business loans and debts treated in separation or divorce?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

There is an obligation on a couple that is separating to disclose all of their ...

09 Jul 2020

Should employers go to jail for underpayment of wages?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Underpayment of wages is an increasingly frequent topic in both media reports ...

03 Jul 2020

Sentencing, over policing, STMP and crime reduction in NSW

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

Earlier this year we published the articles New sentencing laws in NSW and NSW ...

30 Jun 2020

Can an illegitimate child inherit from his father’s estate? Which case won?

by Tierah Faulder, Taree

The man’s story is one of Australia’s remarkable rags-to-riches immigrant ...

25 Jun 2020

Australia’s Religious Discrimination Bill – hard cases make bad law

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby and Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

In 2019, the Attorney-General, Christian Porter, released a draft Religious ...

25 Jun 2020

Implementing organisational change in a pandemic – how does your business find the new normal?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Changes made of necessity may be retained for the longer term As the wave of ...

18 Jun 2020

Is a written contract necessary for a deal to be enforceable?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Handshake agreement versus written contract – are they both legally binding? ...

17 Jun 2020

Is a handshake agreement legally binding?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Suppose you were to come to a verbal agreement on a deal with another person and...

17 Jun 2020

Can a casual employee claim unfair dismissal? Which case won?

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

On 25 June 2018, an employee commenced employment as a casual sales assistant ...

12 Jun 2020

Changes to workers compensation in NSW give better protection to workers who get coronavirus

by Chris Clarke, Tweed Heads

Presumption that coronavirus contracted in the course of employment Workers in ...

10 Jun 2020

NSW government’s compulsory land acquisition is surging ahead, so know your rights

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

Compulsory land acquisition is occurring at almost record levels across Sydney ...

05 Jun 2020

Consent no defence in assault charges, unless it’s sexual assault – the missing piece of the #MeToo debate

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

The trial of Harvey Weinstein in the US reignited a debate, long predating the ...

02 Jun 2020

Strata corporation bylaws in NSW can ban pets, tribunal rules

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

Two of Sydney’s largest apartment towers ban residents from bringing pets into...

01 Jun 2020

Misleading or deceptive conduct, trademark infringement, or just clever business strategy? Which case won?

by George Koimanos, Parramatta

Upon having a hair treatment at an Israeli hairdressing salon, a Canadian ...

22 May 2020

Casual worker rights can include annual leave and sick leave, says Federal Court

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

Landmark ruling based on employer’s advance commitment to ongoing work A ...

21 May 2020

Witnessing documents by video link in NSW: special measures introduced due to Covid-19

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Witnessing documents previously done in person With much of the world working ...

20 May 2020

Could a man abstain from voting because it went against his personal religion of “freedom”? Which case won?

by Christopher Morris, Hornsby

A registered voter failed to attend a polling booth to vote in the 2016 federal ...

14 May 2020

Despite best intentions, JobKeeper creates problems for employers and employees

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

JobKeeper has all the right intentions – to keep workers in employment during ...

07 May 2020

Covid–19 risks to prisoners in NSW – justice delayed is justice denied

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

The delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused major disruptions to the ...

06 May 2020

Covid–19 effects on court process and criminal justice in NSW

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

Matters adjourned for lengthy periods to reduce numbers attending court The ...

05 May 2020

Was it repudiation of contract? Should the property buyer get the deposit back? Which case won?

by Nathan Stack, Taree

On 19 January 2018, a buyer and seller exchanged contracts for the sale and ...

30 Apr 2020

A negotiated agreement might be more attainable during a pandemic

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Multiple factors can influence a person to resolve a dispute Do you have an ...

29 Apr 2020

Knowingly exposing children to risk of coronavirus infection reflects poorly in family law matters

by Sue Foote, Hornsby

Interests of children must come first Family Court proceedings can be complex ...

23 Apr 2020

Asking my employees to work from home – what’s the risk?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

For large numbers of businesses, closure and lockdown measures have meant that ...

23 Apr 2020

“Can I still see my kids during coronavirus?”- Your parenting plan and COVID-19

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Multiple impacts on parenting plans due to coronavirus People who have recently...

21 Apr 2020

“We were in a de facto relationship and I should inherit some of his estate.” Which case won?

by Rita Fisher, Leura

On 8 August 2000, a man executed a will naming his younger brother as his ...

18 Apr 2020

How does coronavirus affect your retail, residential or commercial lease?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

One notable aspect of the effects of the coronavirus is that, because of the ...

17 Apr 2020

Australian government coronavirus response package infiltrates many corners of Australian law

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Exactly where the saying “desperate times call for desperate measures” comes...

15 Apr 2020

“I lost my job and can’t pay my rent!” – Covid-19 creates anxiety for tenants and landlords

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by NSW government The NSW government has...

14 Apr 2020

Backing out of a house sale due to Covid-19? How will the property sale process change in the face of coronavirus?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

What happens if you can’t continue with the property sale contract? COVID-19 ...

13 Apr 2020

Coronavirus and the machinery of government – how do governments enforce the restrictions they impose?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Rules and restrictions related to COVID-19 Over the past few weeks, the media ...

08 Apr 2020

Trial by jury and Cardinal George Pell

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

There will be more than enough fervent comment about the High Court’s ...

07 Apr 2020

Did the employer’s negligence cause the sales assistant’s psychiatric injury? Which case won?

by Phil Griffin, Bundall

On 1 November 2015, the sales assistant was behind the counter at a jewellery ...

07 Apr 2020

Australians rushing to update their legal will amidst coronavirus pandemic

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

The recent coronavirus outbreak has led to economic and health tidal waves ...

06 Apr 2020

“Help, I can’t pay my employees any more” – options for employers during the coronavirus pandemic

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Workers stood down as businesses forced to close What are the options open to ...

03 Apr 2020

Insolvency and bankruptcy law changes to prop up businesses during coronavirus

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

With Australian businesses closing their doors due to the coronavirus crisis, ...

01 Apr 2020

Do force majeure clauses apply to the coronavirus pandemic?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Force majeure, also known as an “Act of God”, is an unforeseeable event ...

31 Mar 2020

Your staff are all working from home – so what are your health and safety obligations as an employer?

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

Employers still responsible for ensuring safe work environment With more and ...

30 Mar 2020

New police powers in NSW to help combat coronavirus

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

Police tasked with enforcing social distancing and self-isolation measures ...

26 Mar 2020

Liabilities of directors and managers during the coronavirus pandemic

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Over the past few weeks, Australia (and the rest of the world) has found itself ...

24 Mar 2020

Stacks Law Firm: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Continuing to serve our communities during the pandemic

Our community is currently dealing with an unprecedented health crisis caused by...

24 Mar 2020

Is it casual employment because the worker’s contract says it is? Which case won?

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

A man was engaged by a labour hire company that supplied labourers for mining ...

12 Mar 2020

Whose will applies if both parents die at the same time?

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

If the unthinkable were to happen and both parents die at the same time, say in ...

11 Mar 2020

Harvesting the sperm of a dead man – what does the law say?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

The NSW Supreme Court has recently had to grapple with the question of who owns ...

10 Mar 2020

Father’s estate left to charity – but what about the son? Which case won?

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

A NSW man died in September 2018, leaving an estate of about $2.5 million. His ...

06 Mar 2020

Ouija board used by UK jury to determine verdict in murder trial

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

The principle of being judged by a jury of one’s peers is the cornerstone of ...

04 Mar 2020

Figuring out who the “relevant insurer” is under the Motor Accident Injuries Act in NSW

by Belinda Cassidy, Stacks Goudkamp, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

A new concept under the Motor Accident Injuries Act (MAI Act) that requires ...

03 Mar 2020

The NSW CTP scheme in practice – two years on

by Belinda Cassidy, Stacks Goudkamp, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

At a roundtable conducted by the Injury Compensation Committee of the Law ...

27 Feb 2020

How do you make a small claim in NSW?

If you find yourself in a position where you’re out of pocket because of ...

24 Feb 2020

Were the operators of the leisure park to blame for the child’s quad bike accident? Which case won?

by Alexander Morrison, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

The appellant was an 11-year-old child. Her mother phoned the leisure park to ...

18 Feb 2020

How to commence legal proceedings in NSW

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

In NSW, there are two categories of law: civil law and criminal law. Civil law ...

14 Feb 2020

Paying for funeral expenses following a road accident death

by Belinda Cassidy, Stacks Goudkamp, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

In 2018, there were 1,136 road deaths in Australia. That means there were over ...

13 Feb 2020

How the term “coward punch” won a $100,000 defamation payout

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

For many years the families of “king-hit” victims have argued that this term...

11 Feb 2020

Could the buyer terminate the property sale contract due to mental illness? Which case won?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

A seller and a buyer entered into a contract for the sale of land near Grafton ...

07 Feb 2020

High Court ruling restricts right to free speech in Australia

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

In what is seen as a landmark decision against free speech, the High Court has ...

04 Feb 2020

Animal rights activists – what does the law say?

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

In 2019, animal rights activist group Aussie Farms posted online maps of factory...

31 Jan 2020

Transferring control of a discretionary trust – what you should consider

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

For many years, Australians and organisations, including small businesses, SMEs ...

31 Jan 2020

Traumatic brain injury and compensation in NSW

by Tom Goudkamp OAM, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

A brain injury can have a terrible impact on a person’s life, regardless of ...

30 Jan 2020

Social media influencer wins payout after client breaches verbal contract

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

The rise of social media across the globe has opened a huge market for people ...

28 Jan 2020

Does smacking children create an unacceptable risk of harm? Which case won?

by Ruth Whisker, Tweed Heads

The husband and wife had two children, born in 2010 and 2014, before they ...

22 Jan 2020

When our walls turn to glass – the end of privacy

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

This article was written in response to a multitude of reader questions about ...

17 Jan 2020

Country of origin food labelling laws could pose challenges for Australian producers

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

In July 2018, the Australian government introduced a mandatory country of origin...

16 Jan 2020

Signature forgery could land you ten years in jail

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

Forgery has been prominent in the news over recent years, with the Banking Royal...

16 Jan 2020

Replica handguns a danger to owners and a legal headache in NSW

by John Gooley, Hornsby

Differences between state laws around Australia regarding imitation or replica ...

15 Jan 2020

Law on digital assets after death under review

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

With much of our lives now being documented online via social media and a range ...

13 Jan 2020

Cross border workers compensation claims in NSW and Queensland – which state’s insurer has to pay? Which case won?

by Chris Clarke, Tweed Heads

The employee was a delivery driver working from his employer’s warehouse in ...

10 Jan 2020

Climate change protests provoke debate on right to protest in Australia

by George Koimanos, Parramatta

Dozens of protesters have been arrested in Australia for demanding immediate ...

19 Dec 2019

Teen sexting laws eased while child sexual abuse penalties increased in NSW

by Peter Schmidt, Tamworth

At the end of 2018, the NSW government introduced reforms to child sexual abuse ...

06 Dec 2019

If a worker refuses biometric fingerprint scanning, is it unfair dismissal to sack them? Which case won?

by Mark Shumsky, Hornsby

A company introduced a biometric fingerprint scanning system as part of its new ...

02 Dec 2019

What is the process for buying a home? – Simple guide and flowchart

by Sue Steel, Tamworth

Buying a new home or a property can be one of the most exciting events of your ...

28 Nov 2019

Foreign resident tax rates and surcharges could sting the unwary

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

There are important laws governing investment in Australia by a foreign ...

27 Nov 2019

Know your rights under proposed laws for short term letting in NSW

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

The NSW government has announced new regulations governing short term letting ...

26 Nov 2019

Was the employee who failed to follow her employer’s instructions to blame for her own injuries? Which case won?

by Grant Avery, Taree

In 1974 a woman secured an office job in a large Australian organisation. Her ...

13 Nov 2019

ACT marijuana laws may not give the anticipated high just yet

by John Gooley, Hornsby

The Australian Capital Territory has introduced new marijuana laws, making it ...

12 Nov 2019

Voluntary superannuation contributions from downsizing an opportunity for over 65s

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Introduced in 2018, the downsizer superannuation contribution strategy gives ...

12 Nov 2019

Was it unfair dismissal to sack an employee for breaching the company’s social media policy? Which case won?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

A man had been employed by a company for about fifteen months when he was ...

31 Oct 2019

Mobile drug testing (MDT) and drivers who take prescription medication

by John Gooley, Hornsby

Increased focus on drug driving in NSW Public and government attention ...

29 Oct 2019

Was the email defamatory? Which case won?

by George Koimanos, Parramatta

The chairperson of the strata committee and the tenant lived in the same strata ...

17 Oct 2019

Defamation of a former employee can be costly

by Nathan Luke

Earlier this year, an employer who emailed warnings to clients about a former ...

15 Oct 2019

Is it OK if you’re just a bit late applying to set aside a statutory demand? Which case won?

by Jatinder Singh, Parramatta

In late June 2017, a government department (the ‘creditor’) instructed a ...

09 Oct 2019

Can you trademark a word or colour? The law says it depends

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

While you may think that a word is just a word and cannot be owned by an entity,...

02 Oct 2019

Is your companion animal your property? Or a beloved family member?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Owning a companion animal positively impacts our lives in many ways. From cats ...

02 Oct 2019

Was the victim of a phishing scam liable for his losses? Which case won?

by Zohra Ali, Parramatta

The case of a man who fell victim to a phishing scam reads as a textbook example...

25 Sep 2019

Computer-generated letters and the law – uncertainty following ATO decision

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

If a computer-generated letter arrives from the Australian Taxation Office ...

16 Sep 2019

Should the defendant go to jail for drug supply? Which case won?

by Peter Schmidt, Tamworth

In June 2015, a young man was apprehended by police and found to be in ...

11 Sep 2019

How long must you wait before disposing of abandoned property?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

What happens when someone leaves their abandoned property with you but never ...

06 Sep 2019

Is a de facto relationship the same as a marriage?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth and Joshua Crowther, Taree

It’s a common misconception in Australia that people living in a de facto ...

06 Sep 2019

Gotcha! NSW highway patrol cameras zoom in over the shoulder of drivers using mobile phones

by John Gooley, Hornsby

Technology employed by NSW police constantly being refined and upgraded Drivers...

03 Sep 2019

Was the doctor negligent for failing to identify meningitis symptoms? Which case won?

by Phil Griffin, Bundall

In early September 2008, a woman, who was then 43, began suffering from neck ...

23 Aug 2019

Causing an avoidable surfboard accident could land you in court

by Justin Stack, Taree

With reckless behaviour on the rise at a number of Australian surf breaks, ...

20 Aug 2019

Was the police officer’s PTSD a total and permanent disability or was the insurer right to reject her claim? Which case won?

by Christopher Morris, Hornsby

A police officer worked for NSW Police and was involved in a number of traumatic...

06 Aug 2019

Could the property seller issue a Notice to Complete, terminate the contract and keep the 10% deposit? Which case won?

by Daniel Ponepaseut, Bowral

On 23 October 2014, two companies entered into a standard NSW contract for the ...

31 Jul 2019

Contractor or employee – the grey area of the gig economy

by Nathan Luke

An increasing number of Australian workers seeking permanent jobs are taking ...

30 Jul 2019

NSW prison population and the new sentencing laws – an update

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

In October 2018 we published the article New sentencing laws in NSW – ...

25 Jul 2019

What to do when a property co-owner won’t sell

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

What happens when you are a co-owner of a property and want to put it on the ...

24 Jul 2019

Estate planning at tax time: a prime opportunity to ensure your assets are protected

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

Tax time: it’s the one time of the year that you need to get your financial ...

19 Jul 2019

Was the hospital to blame for the patient’s infection after surgery? Which case won?

by Alexander Hairs, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

On 7 June 2010, a woman attended a hospital for the repair of an incisional ...

03 Jul 2019

Does a sperm donor have parental rights?

by Simone Timbs, Walcha

Advances in medical science have introduced a number of complex legal questions ...

01 Jul 2019

Should a permanently injured worker lose payments while waiting for assessment? Which case won?

by Digby Dunn, Forster

The initial injury happened in December 2000, when the worker fell while pushing...

24 Jun 2019

Did the man’s nephew deserve a share of his estate? Which case won?

by Zohra Ali, Parramatta

A man emigrated to Australia from Hong Kong in 1941, when he was in his late ...

18 Jun 2019

Can criticising the boss on social media get you sacked?

by Nathan Luke

An employee says something nasty about their boss or company on their private ...

17 Jun 2019

The high cost of preventable farm accidents

by Justin Stack, Taree

Farm accidents are devastating for both victims and farm owners, especially when...

14 Jun 2019

Assistance dog Boofhead wins disability discrimination case

by Nathan Luke

Peter Reurich enjoys taking his best friend, Boofhead, to the local RSL. ...

13 Jun 2019

Are you employed in casual work but doing the same job as a permanent employee?

by Nathan Luke

Approximately 20 per cent of Australians are currently employed in casual work. ...

11 Jun 2019

Was an easement that let one landowner park on a neighbour’s land valid? Which case won?

by David Crossan, Tweed Heads

Two landowners owned neighbouring harbourside properties (Property A and ...

28 May 2019

Illegal phoenix activity – government determined to expand crackdown efforts

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Have you ever been owed money by a company, but when you attend to calling in ...

24 May 2019

Was the accused guilty of manslaughter for failing to ring triple-0? Which case won?

by Jack Miller

The deceased, the accused and another man were all misusers of prescription ...

14 May 2019

Fair Work Ombudsman wins first ruling against racial discrimination in the workplace

by Nathan Luke

In an Australian first, the Fair Work Ombudsman won a landmark case in the ...

14 May 2019

Did husband’s failure to disclose cause a miscarriage of justice? Which case won?

by Simone Timbs, Walcha

A couple moved in together in 1992 and married in 1997, but ultimately separated...

09 May 2019

Sydney developer uses squatter’s rights to claim ownership of a property in NSW

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

A decision in the NSW Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a property developer ...

08 May 2019

Escaping city life and moving to the country? Make sure you do your due diligence

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

Greater numbers of city dwellers are considering moving to the country to enjoy ...

02 May 2019

Could your regular employee performance reviews be illegal?

by Mark Port, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Employers in Australia regularly conduct performance reviews with their ...

29 Apr 2019

Who should inherit the old man’s money? His friend or a charity? Which case won?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

In the years prior to his death at the age of 87, a man instructed his solicitor...

26 Apr 2019

Option agreement to buy land must be in the appropriate form – developers take note

by Zohra Ali, Parramatta

What is an option agreement? An option agreement is a contractual document ...

11 Apr 2019

Before buying property with friends be aware of the potential pitfalls

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

Co-ownership an obvious option in a high-priced property market With sky-high ...

10 Apr 2019

Could a vendor terminate a contract to sell off-the-plan property after the sunset date? Which case won?

by Nathan Stack, Taree

The parties entered into a conveyancing transaction for off-the-plan ...

05 Apr 2019

A win for off-the-plan buyers in NSW – developers can no longer use sunset clause for financial gain

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

A recent landmark judgement in the NSW Supreme Court gave off-the-plan apartment...

04 Apr 2019

Photography and the law – when is it illegal to take a photo?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Photographs are funny things – or not, depending on how much trouble they can ...

27 Mar 2019

Could a police officer claim damages for psychiatric injury after attending a fatal accident? Which case won?

by Chris Clarke, Tweed Heads

A Queensland police officer attended a motor vehicle accident in 2013 involving ...

12 Mar 2019

Should the insurance company have to pay up after a fire in a brothel? Which case won?

by Rita Lahoud, Parramatta

On 1 January 2012, there was a fire in a brothel which was run from premises in ...

21 Feb 2019

Why you should always report a crime in a business to police

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Sometimes, when a crime or a suspected crime has been committed in a workplace, ...

20 Feb 2019

Can threatening someone with religious sanctions be a criminal contempt of court? Which case won?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

In January 2016, two companies, one Australian-based and one US-based, entered ...

12 Feb 2019

Who gets to pick the child’s school when parents can’t agree? Which case won?

by Simone Timbs, Walcha

A couple had a child in 2008 and separated in 2010. The parents had distinctly ...

31 Jan 2019

Hobby or business? What’s the difference?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Someone once said that sailing was like standing in a cold shower tearing up $20...

30 Jan 2019

Who caused the car accident – the driver, or an unidentified vehicle? Which case won?

by Sophie Lee, Taree

A car accident took place in Chatswood, NSW, on a dark and rainy day with poor ...

15 Jan 2019

When co-executors go to war, will there be anything left of the estate? Which case won?

by Kurt Topper

In April 2011 a woman died at 60 years of age. She was survived by her two adult...

08 Jan 2019

How to protect yourself with (or from) an apprehended violence order (AVO) in NSW

by Caitlin Drabble

An apprehended violence order (AVO), also commonly referred to as a ...

20 Dec 2018

Customers behaving badly – should businesses intervene and how should they respond?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

It is an unfortunate reality that there will be times businesses will encounter ...

12 Dec 2018

The interlock program in NSW – a basic guide

by Caitlin Drabble

What is the interlock program? When someone has committed a major driving and...

12 Dec 2018

Can an unsent text message be a valid will? Which case won?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

A Queensland man took his own life, leaving behind his wife and several family ...

22 Nov 2018

Could a land owner terminate his option agreement with a developer because of delay by the developer? Which case won?

by Zohra Ali, Parramatta

A land owner owned a large block of land in West Pennant Hills, in Sydney’s ...

08 Nov 2018

Could a landlord recover rent and lease incentives after the tenant abandoned the premises? Which case won?

by David Crossan, Tweed Heads

A law firm was negotiating with a landlord for the lease of office premises in ...

29 Oct 2018

Can a company legally sack an employee who has been ill for ten months? Which case won?

by Emily Wittig, Hornsby

A man was employed by a company on a full-time basis as a channel manager. He ...

26 Oct 2018

Stacks conveyancer wins Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW Division CEO Award

Article and photo supplied courtesy of Manning River Times. ...

25 Oct 2018

New sentencing laws in NSW – practical information for criminal lawyers and their clients

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

The new sentencing laws in NSW came into force in September 2018 and criminal ...

16 Oct 2018

What is testamentary capacity? A basic guide

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

As a lawyer specialising in wills and estates, I find myself increasingly ...

15 Oct 2018

What are the limits of a post-employment restraint clause in an employment contract? Which case won?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

A large clothing retailer with outlets all over Australia employed a chief ...

02 Oct 2018

Who carries the cost when an investor gets scammed? Which case won?

by Clayton Davis, Bowral

In a case study reported in 2016 by the UK Financial Ombudsman, an investor in ...

02 Oct 2018

Algorithms, artificial intelligence, automated systems and the law

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

In an item published recently in the ANU Reporter - Do we have a Frankenstein ...

26 Sep 2018

How to avoid a drivers licence suspension in NSW

by Caitlin Drabble

The obvious answer to the question of how to avoid a drivers licence suspension ...

18 Sep 2018

What’s in a tablet? Understanding the dangers of chemically synthesised drugs

by John Gooley, Hornsby

The actual contents of many of the ecstasy tablets and other tablets that people...

18 Sep 2018

When does negligent driving become a criminal offence? Which case won?

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

In the mid-afternoon of 18 April 2016, a driver was driving her car along ...

04 Sep 2018

Should the husband get a much larger share of the marital assets than the wife after their divorce? Which case won?

by Rita Fisher, Leura

The husband was aged 39, the wife was aged 37 and they had been married for ...

30 Aug 2018

Why your non-dental cavities may be of interest to the authorities

by John Gooley, Hornsby

There is currently a stand-off of sorts between the NSW Police and the NSW ...

22 Aug 2018

Was it an inexperienced doctor, unnecessary surgery or just bad luck? Which case won?

by Julie Mahony, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

The patient was a 73-year-old man who was happy, fit and active. In early 2011, ...

06 Aug 2018

Did the old man have the mental capacity to change his will? Which case won?

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

In 2011, a man signed a will which gave his estate to his three children ...

25 Jul 2018

Appealing fines to Revenue NSW becoming an increasingly pointless exercise

by John Gooley, Hornsby

More people opting to go to court rather than appealing to Revenue NSW If you ...

25 Jul 2018

Could the council force a home owner to remove a caravan from her land? Which case won?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth and Kate Byrne, Tamworth

A Sydney council became aware of home owners in the local area who had converted...

18 Jul 2018

“We’ve been fighting for years – will my child be able to access the court records?“

by Ruth Whisker, Tweed Heads

You have been fighting for years with your ex-husband/wife/partner over the ...

12 Jul 2018

What happens at settlement when you buy a home – and what can go wrong

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Buying a new home or a property can be one of the most exciting events of your ...

09 Jul 2018

Who was to blame for a drunken motorcycle collision? Which case won?

by Brett Watts, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

At 5:15 in the morning following a night of heavy drinking, the plaintiff and ...

04 Jul 2018

Automatic vehicle registration in NSW – beware the pensioner trap

by John Gooley, Hornsby

In New South Wales, pension concession card holders who receive free vehicle ...

26 Jun 2018

Can you copy someone else’s building plans? Which case won?

by Rita Lahoud, Parramatta

A couple owned a block of land in Port Douglas, Queensland, and set out to build...

21 Jun 2018

“I can just convert my shed into a granny flat without getting council approval, can’t I? Who would know?” – Wrong!

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

Changing the use of a non-habitable area into a habitable area should not be ...

20 Jun 2018

Home downsizer superannuation contribution offers opportunity to retirees

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Important changes are coming to the law on superannuation from 1 July 2018 that ...

15 Jun 2018

Compulsory acquisition of properties in NSW now not so certain

by Digby Dunn, Forster

A landmark court decision has delivered a blow to the NSW government’s ...

13 Jun 2018

Prenup signed on eve of wedding – was there undue influence? Which case won?

by Nathan McEwan

A couple became acquainted on the internet via a website for potential brides. ...

08 Jun 2018

Workers compensation system in NSW improves with access to free legal help

by Justin Stack, Taree

Much needed changes to the workers compensation scheme announced in May 2018 ...

06 Jun 2018

Do police have the right to search your phone in NSW?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth and John Gooley, Hornsby

You are stopped on the street by police. They tell you to turn out your pockets....

05 Jun 2018

Modern slavery – what can be done?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

In 1857, the political equilibrium of the United States of America was rocked by...

30 May 2018

Were the mechanic’s injuries caused by the negligence of the company that employed him? Which case won?

by Sian-Louise Perez, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

A light vehicle mechanic employed by a service company was working as an ...

18 May 2018

Joint tenants or tenants in common – which one should you choose?

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

I often get asked “What is the difference between joint tenants and tenants in...

17 May 2018

“I’ve separated – when do I go to court?”

by Ruth Whisker, Tweed Heads

Unlike what you see on television or read about in gossip magazines about ...

16 May 2018

Lodging a successful compensation claim in Queensland: pitfalls to avoid

by Phil Griffin, Bundall

Lodging a successful compensation claim in Queensland can hinge on a number of...

16 May 2018

Could an accounting firm restrain a former employee from doing work for one of its clients? Which case won?

by Clayton Davis, Bowral

In 2003, a nineteen-year-old man began employment as a trainee accountant with a...

15 May 2018

How are compensation claims calculated in Queensland?

by Phil Griffin, Bundall

The first question most people ask regarding compensation is how much money they...

04 May 2018

Emojis adding new dimension of unpredictability and ambiguity to electronic communications

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

A recent US article (by Mike Cherney in the Wall Street Journal Online) drew ...

03 May 2018

Should a property buyer get a discount because the seller left too much rubbish behind? Which case won?

by Nathan Stack, Taree

A property in North Bondi was sold at auction on 21 November 2013 for ...

26 Apr 2018

Window safety devices for strata schemes in NSW intended to promote child safety

by David Crossan, Tweed Heads

From 13 March 2018, all strata buildings in New South Wales must be fitted with ...

19 Apr 2018

She made his life a misery but still wanted part of his estate – which case won?

by Kate Byrne, Tamworth

They met in 1984, when he was a doctor and she was his patient. They had a ...

12 Apr 2018

You have a Court Attendance Notice, now what? Timeline of a criminal charge in the local court

by Caitlin Drabble

If you have received a Court Attendance Notice, it will tell you what you are ...

12 Apr 2018

Non-compete clause in shopping centre lease leads to discrimination complaint against barber shop

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

A Brisbane barber shop was recently in the press for denying services to a woman...

10 Apr 2018

Kurt Topper dancing for cancer research

Kurt Topper, Director of Stacks Heard McEwan and our Wollongong-based Accredited...

06 Apr 2018

Filming an accident instead of helping – what the law says in New South Wales

by Nathan Luke

We see it on social media and on the TV news all the time – someone films an ...

04 Apr 2018

Did the police obtain evidence unlawfully? Would the drug possession charge be dismissed? Which case won?

by Caitlin Drabble

A man was riding a motorcycle along a road when he was stopped by police for not...

21 Mar 2018

Who keeps the deposit when a property sale falls through? Which case won?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

A parcel of land in Fairfield, Sydney, was sold at auction for $1.46 million. ...

15 Mar 2018

What is the process for getting a divorce?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

The divorce process is a separate process to that of a property settlement after...

13 Mar 2018

Costs orders and litigation – beware unpredictable outcomes and always take settlement offers seriously

by Zohra Ali, Parramatta

I was recently involved in a case where someone was offered half a million ...

07 Mar 2018

The lessor or the liquidator – who owns leased equipment when a company goes into liquidation? Which case won?

by Bill Akhurst, Forster

In this case, a power company had been retained by a government body in Western ...

01 Mar 2018

“Cannabis caution” and other civil penalties for minor criminal offences in New South Wales

by Caitlin Drabble

If you get a Court Attendance Notice in NSW, you are required to attend court. ...

23 Feb 2018

Is it OK for bosses to shout at their employees?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Probably none of us needs media revelations to be aware of bosses who command ...

22 Feb 2018

Should the owner of a landlocked property be able to access it by vehicle? Which case won?

by Neville Hesford, Bowral

This case concerned a property in south-western Sydney. The property was ...

21 Feb 2018

Unfair B2B contracts – JJ Richards decision gives small businesses a glimmer of hope

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

The most recent development in the law related to unfair business to business ...

15 Feb 2018

Pregnancy discrimination to be addressed by amendment to NSW legislation

by Nathan Luke

Two days before a woman was to begin maternity leave she was made redundant by ...

14 Feb 2018

Beware of your life continuing in the cloud after you die

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

Recently a court had to rule on whether a will written as an unsent 54-word text...

13 Feb 2018

Prenups on shaky ground after High Court decision

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Prenuptial agreements appear to be on shaky legal ground after a recent landmark...

08 Feb 2018

The elusive and sought after “section 10” in criminal and traffic prosecutions in NSW

by Caitlin Drabble

Committing a criminal or traffic offence in NSW does not always lead to a ...

08 Feb 2018

Electronic property settlements through PEXA point to future obsolescence of all paper contracts

by Joseph Kemp, Parramatta

The final process in any property transaction is the settlement, when the ...

07 Feb 2018

Were they in a de facto relationship? Should the financial agreement stand? Which case won?

by Timothy Losco

The parties met in late 2011 at a massage parlour, where the woman worked. The ...

01 Feb 2018

Conveyancing through the ages in NSW

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

Have you ever thought about the evolution of land ownership in New South Wales ...

30 Jan 2018

Same sex couples who married overseas should check legal status of wills

by Hiliary Thornberry, Tamworth

Just when same sex couples thought the long fight for marriage equality in ...

25 Jan 2018

Legal rights of the injured suffer in new green slip changes in NSW

by Justin Stack, Taree

The legal rights of people injured in motor vehicle accidents are being further ...

24 Jan 2018

Are creditors able to block the sale of a small business?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Sometimes we are contacted by small business owners who are concerned that a ...

23 Jan 2018

“I want half” – common myth that assets split equally in family law property settlement

by Ruth Whisker, Tweed Heads

There appears to be a misconception in the community that when a marriage or de ...

23 Jan 2018

Which case won? Could a bank enforce a loan agreement where one of the signatures was forged?

by Geoff Roberson, Parramatta

A company was established in 1991 and operated a paintball field on a property ...

18 Jan 2018

Residential land buyers in NSW increasingly forced to waive cooling off period

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

In NSW, purchasers of residential land are entitled to a five day cooling off ...

16 Jan 2018

Address workplace risks from technology and social media with a code of conduct for employees

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

It goes without saying that all employees have private lives. It was probably ...

11 Jan 2018

What should employers do when personal relationships between employees turn sour?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Arguably one of the most delicate and sensitive challenges an employer can face ...

09 Jan 2018

Could Pizza Hut force franchisees to sell pizzas at a loss? Or is that unconscionable conduct? Which case won?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

In 2014, the franchisor of the Pizza Hut system in Australia devised a new ...

12 Dec 2017

The bankrupt, the trustee and the superannuation fund – which case won?

by Mark Joseph, Leura

A man was declared bankrupt and a trustee in bankruptcy was appointed to his ...

01 Dec 2017

Major consequences for franchise businesses under new laws

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

After a spate of revelations of franchise businesses underpaying their ...

29 Nov 2017

Stay informed and alert to avoid falling prey to Christmas scammers

by Nathan Luke

By now we should all recognise the scam phone calls: “Hello, I’m from ...

29 Nov 2017

Coveting my neighbour’s access – the driveway, the easement and the battle of the battle-axe block – which case won?

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

The defendants owned a block of land in Thornleigh, on Sydney’s upper north ...

24 Nov 2017

Tribunal rules Airbnb rentals can’t be banned in apartment blocks

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

A recent landmark legal decision has made it far more difficult for body ...

24 Nov 2017

DNA testing in family law – tell us, who’s your daddy?

by Ruth Whisker, Tweed Heads

As solicitors we see many reasons why parents want DNA testing. Some men want to...

23 Nov 2017

Unreleased personal guarantees can threaten financial wellbeing of retired directors of a family business

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Most businesses that are operated as a company or trust are required to provide ...

21 Nov 2017

Employees should know their legal rights in the workplace

by Nathan Luke

The recent row over a young woman who was dismissed soon after making a sexual ...

21 Nov 2017

False or misleading claims in advertising and marketing can cost the unwary

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Consumer watchdogs are cracking down on companies that make false or misleading ...

16 Nov 2017

Employees behaving badly – what can you do as an employer?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Business owners and operators can usually expect that the challenges of managing...

15 Nov 2017

Was a rival’s use of the phrase “Post without the office” a breach of Australia Post’s intellectual property? Which case won?

by Clayton Davis, Bowral

Sendle Pty Ltd is a Sydney-based parcel delivery company that provides low-cost,...

14 Nov 2017

Buying off the plan? Be aware of the pitfalls and do your due diligence

by Zohra Ali, Parramatta

It is no secret that the Sydney real estate market has been experiencing a boom ...

09 Nov 2017

Getting independent legal advice before you go guarantor on someone’s loan

by Nathan Stack, Taree

Going guarantor on someone else’s loan or debt is a serious commitment which ...

01 Nov 2017

Could a husband claim a share in his ex-wife’s lottery win? Which case won?

by Simone Timbs, Walcha

The couple had been married for 20 years at the time of separation in July 2008....

01 Nov 2017

Defamation actions: the high cost of social media posts, comments and “likes”

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Rebel Wilson’s massive $4.5 million damages award – the highest by a court ...

31 Oct 2017

Whistleblower protections need boosting as public/private sector boundary continues to shift

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Whistleblower protections are in the news again. With the possible added ...

25 Oct 2017

Crackdown on phoenix companies to introduce director identification numbers

by Michael McHugh, Tamworth

In an effort to crack down on phoenix companies that are stripped of assets and ...

17 Oct 2017

Would dad still have to pay child support to mum after his son moved in with him full-time? Which case won?

by Sara Woolford, Hornsby

The couple first started living together in 1994, were married in 1995 and had ...

17 Oct 2017

Unfair dismissal: sacking of employee who warned employer she had “overindulged” deemed to be harsh

by Nathan Luke

A recent unfair dismissal case concerned a woman who was employed to scale, ...

12 Oct 2017

Rego stickers, ANPR and NSW government revenue – too good an opportunity to miss

by John Gooley, Hornsby

In my recent article Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology not to...

12 Oct 2017

Changes to property and conveyancing laws in NSW in 2017

by David Crossan, Tweed Heads

There have been many recent changes to NSW property laws affecting conveyancing ...

10 Oct 2017

Selling your business – make sure you get the details right

by Peter Franke

When you’re selling your business, it can be a difficult and emotional time. ...

10 Oct 2017

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology not to be underestimated

by John Gooley, Hornsby

All Australian states and territories now use both fixed and mobile automatic ...

05 Oct 2017

Changes to workers compensation payments in NSW to hit vulnerable injured workers

by Justin Stack, Taree

The NSW government’s changes to the workers compensation payments for people ...

05 Oct 2017

Dangers of changing your home ownership structure in your senior years

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Parents and grandparents are coming under increasing pressure to use their home ...

04 Oct 2017

If the wedding’s off, who keeps the engagement ring?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Well, the wedding is off. Love fled when the couple got to know each other ...

03 Oct 2017

Government compulsorily acquires land for new road – was the land owner properly compensated? Which case won?

by Digby Dunn, Forster

The Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW had compulsorily acquired part of a rural...

03 Oct 2017

Richard Johnson retiring after a great innings at Stacks Law Firm

On 1 December this year, Richard Johnson will be retiring from his position as ...

26 Sep 2017

Beware increased government fines for privacy breaches

by Nathan Luke

Companies should be aware of laws governing privacy breaches, consumer rights ...

26 Sep 2017

We should be wary of restrictions on freedom of speech

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

We tend to believe we have a right to freedom of speech, that we can say what we...

21 Sep 2017

Need for caution before signing a retirement village contract

by Kate Byrne, Tamworth

Recent revelations of elderly people being thrown out of home because of fine ...

20 Sep 2017

Did “Duff” contravene the advertising code for alcoholic beverages? Which case (of beer) won?

by Nathan Luke

In 2014, supermarket industry behemoth Woolworths introduced an officially ...

19 Sep 2017

Elder financial abuse – confronting a hidden epidemic

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

Elder financial abuse – where a person takes advantage of an elder person’s ...

13 Sep 2017

Anneka Frayne a finalist in Women in Law Awards 2017

Tamworth associate Anneka Frayne has been named as a finalist in the “Young ...

08 Sep 2017

Changes to NSW motor accident laws – your definitive guide

On 30 March 2017, the NSW Motor Accidents Injuries Bill 2017 was passed by ...

07 Sep 2017

When does an email exchange turn into a binding contract? Which case won?

by Nathan Heard

A case heard recently in Western Australia concerned a dispute between a ...

23 Aug 2017

What obligations does an employer have to employees who travel for work?

by Nathan Luke

Every day millions of Australians travel to and from work. The law has accepted ...

22 Aug 2017

Would the Court of Appeal increase a dangerous driver’s jail term? Which case won?

by Peter Schmidt, Tamworth

On an evening in 2015, a 19-year-old man was driving the streets of a small ...

22 Aug 2017

Drone laws in Australia evolving slower than drone technology

by John Glynn, Tamworth

With the boom in sales of small unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, aviation ...

15 Aug 2017

So you want to start a business. Which business model should you choose?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Small businesses feature a lot in the rhetoric of politicians, who love to say ...

10 Aug 2017

Marriage, divorce and decree of nullity – what is the law in Australia?

by Rita Fisher, Leura

Can a marriage be legal if your new wife or husband refuses to have sex with you...

10 Aug 2017

Defendant’s criminal sentence hangs on court’s interpretation of a comma – which case won?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

In a case decided in 2016 by the United States Supreme Court, a defendant had ...

02 Aug 2017

Three years’ jail for revenge porn under new laws in NSW

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

In June 2017, new laws were passed by NSW parliament to crack down on the ...

27 Jul 2017

What happens after separation?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Family separation is a very difficult time for everyone involved, and to make it...

26 Jul 2017

Was the binding financial agreement unfair? Did the court set it aside? Which case won?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

A binding financial agreement (also commonly known as a prenuptial agreement or ...

26 Jul 2017

Bullying and harassment claims in the workplace – employers need to be aware of risks

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

The modern workplace continually presents challenges for business owners and ...

12 Jul 2017

Man cuts off neighbour’s finger with hedge clippers – was he guilty of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm? Which case won?

by John Gooley, Hornsby

On a balmy afternoon on new year’s eve, in one of Sydney’s most exclusive ...

06 Jul 2017

Section 32 mental health treatment plans – NSW Supreme Court clarifies requirements

by Mark Warren, Hornsby

In a recent appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Supreme Court has...

06 Jul 2017

Unfair contracts – the law continues to develop

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Australia is often spoken of as the “land of the fair go”, but how true is ...

30 Jun 2017

Why contempt of court matters, even for government ministers

by Maurie Stack

The independence of the judiciary from the political arm of government is a ...

28 Jun 2017

Brother sues sister who pocketed 100% of their dad’s superannuation fund – which case won?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

A case heard in the NSW Supreme Court concerned a battle between two siblings ...

21 Jun 2017

Plain packaging tobacco decision shows intellectual property is not sacrosanct

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Where once intellectual property rights were considered sacrosanct, a couple of ...

21 Jun 2017

Importance of rule of law in democratic society

by Iain Miller, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Whether or not you agree with the recent judicial review of US president Donald ...

15 Jun 2017

Rear view cameras in highway patrol vehicles and the so-called “2 km rule”

by John Gooley, Hornsby

Several matters heard recently in the local courts have featured the rear view ...

14 Jun 2017

“Excessive self-defence” and use of force to protect yourself against an intruder

by Jessica Mackay, Taree

It’s everybody’s nightmare. A person breaks into your home and threatens ...

13 Jun 2017

The electricity company, the farmer, the truck driver and the power line – which case won?

by Sophie Lee, Taree

A farm owner retained a truck driver to collect sheep in Queensland and drive ...

09 Jun 2017

Think our laws are dumb? Wait till you hear the one about the Witchcraft Act 1735

by Iain Miller, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Do you ever feel caught out by a silly or obsolete law? If so, consider ...

08 Jun 2017

Smartphone data and proof of innocence or guilt in criminal trials

by John Gooley, Hornsby

Seven years ago, in 2010, I defended a 60-year-old male client who was falsely ...

06 Jun 2017

Celebrity criminals and the proceeds of crime – why crime doesn’t pay

by Nathan Luke

Celebrity criminals such as Schapelle Corby may be offered huge amounts of money...

02 Jun 2017

What can you do if your roof solar panels are going to lose their direct sunlight?

by Digby Dunn, Forster

You’ve invested a lot of money installing solar panels on your roof. It’s ...

01 Jun 2017

Checklist: practical steps to take on separation or divorce

by Rita Fisher, Leura

Going through a separation can be a challenging process. As well as attending to...

31 May 2017

Did the hospital owe a duty of care to the friend of a mentally ill patient? Which case won?

by Iain Miller, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

A Victorian man had a long history of chronic paranoid schizophrenia and was ...

23 May 2017

Forfeiture rule: why you can’t kill your parents and then inherit their estate

by Kurt Topper

A NSW woman is campaigning to change the law so that her brother who killed ...

18 May 2017

Time for stronger laws against revenge porn

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

One in five Australians have been affected by so-called “revenge porn” – ...

18 May 2017

Tax Office tries to stop company transferring land after large tax assessment – which case won?

by Mark Joseph, Leura

Following a tax assessment, the corporate trustee of a family trust was found to...

10 May 2017

Defamation, privacy breaches and misrepresentation claims: the perils of giving job references

by Nathan Luke

You apply for a job you really want, but don’t get it. Later you find out that...

03 May 2017

The lighter side of the law: when law and comedy collide

by Geoff Roberson, Parramatta

On the face of it, there doesn’t seem to be much that is amusing about the ...

03 May 2017

Was the company entitled to restrain its former employee from setting up a competing business? Which case won?

by Clayton Davis, Bowral

The company in question manufactured and sold school uniforms in NSW. The ...

02 May 2017

Child custody: “My ex won’t let me see my children. What can I do?”

by Zohra Ali, Parramatta

A client recently expressed his family law dilemma: "She won't let me see my ...

28 Apr 2017

Tree disputes with neighbours best resolved by mediation

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Tree disputes are among the most common causes of problems between neighbours in...

20 Apr 2017

Dissolving strata title and the potential for capital gains tax (CGT) liability

by Mark Joseph, Leura

Although still uncommon, dissolving strata titles is becoming more prevalent ...

18 Apr 2017

Was the bank customer who withdrew $2 million he didn’t have guilty of a crime? Which case won?

by Fouad Awada

In March 2010 a 22-year-old customer of St George Bank opened a new account at ...

11 Apr 2017

Perpetrators of local online scams being brought to justice

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

A few recent convictions demonstrate that some progress is being made in the ...

11 Apr 2017

Land tax exemption for primary production may be available for property developers and land bankers

by David Crossan, Tweed Heads

Property developers and land bankers holding land for future development have ...

06 Apr 2017

When can police detain you and ask for identification in NSW?

by Jessica Mackay, Taree

The NSW District Court recently awarded a Sydney man $3,201 for false ...

05 Apr 2017

Benefits for both tenants and landlords in changes to NSW retail leasing laws

by Neville Hesford, Bowral

The NSW Retail Leases Amendment (Review) Bill 2016 was introduced into the ...

03 Apr 2017

Hornsby law firm Collins & Thompson broadens horizons by joining Stacks Law Firm

by David Thompson, Hornsby

Hornsby law firm Collins & Thompson is broadening its horizons by joining ...

31 Mar 2017

“Not guilty Your Honour, I was sleepwalking when I did it”

by Nathan Luke

A 21-year-old Coffs Harbour man was recently found not guilty of breaking into a...

29 Mar 2017

Army officer claims unfair dismissal after sacking for homophobic views – which case won?

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

The dismissed employee had joined the Army Reserve in 1997. He then transferred ...

28 Mar 2017

Strategic partnerships – how to avoid coming to grief

by Geoff Roberson, Parramatta

An ideal way to grow a business is to enter into strategic partnerships with ...

24 Mar 2017

Is my privacy really protected under Australian law?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Consider these three privacy incidents: The Minister for Human Services ...

17 Mar 2017

Pursuing a breach of property orders in family law

by Viktorija Saric

A client recently asked about her family law situation and her former partner: ...

16 Mar 2017

NSW workers compensation scheme failing, review finds

by Maurie Stack

A review of the controversial changes to the NSW workers compensation scheme has...

15 Mar 2017

Fencing manufacturer sues rival for infringing its registered design – which case won?

by Geoff Roberson, Parramatta

A case heard in the Federal Court in 2013 concerned a manufacturer of steel ...

14 Mar 2017

“My ex has started a new business using our old business equipment. Can his new business be part of the asset pool in our property settlement?”

by Nathan McEwan

This is not an uncommon question. While it may seem simple at first glance, it ...

09 Mar 2017

Checklist – ten things to remember when buying or selling real estate

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Buying or selling real estate can be daunting if you are not familiar with the ...

08 Mar 2017

Estranged daughter brings successful family provision claim after being left out of mother’s will

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

The recent case of Jodell v Woods before the NSW Supreme Court highlights how a ...

01 Mar 2017

Should a jury know only what is said in the court?

by Nathan Luke

A young journalist was recently convicted of sub judice contempt of court and ...

01 Mar 2017

Motorbike rider injured in blameless accident seeks compensation from bike owner’s insurer – Which case won?

As the judge noted, it was a case that “could only have taken place in ...

23 Feb 2017

Personal injury on a sporting field – who is liable? And who foots the bill?

by Justin Stack, Taree

We see it all the time - people doing violent things on the sports field that ...

16 Feb 2017

Was son entitled to share of mother’s estate to boost his superannuation fund? Which case won?

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

A case heard in the NSW Supreme Court of Appeal concerned a 43 year old ...

15 Feb 2017

She made his life hell but still got a chunk of his estate

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

An ex-wife who vowed she would make “what was left” of her ex-husband’s ...

14 Feb 2017

Helping your business survive through death and divorce – family law and estate planning strategies

by Nathan McEwan and Kurt Topper

In a business context, the failure of a marriage or de facto relationship or the...

14 Feb 2017

Should a deaf person be able to serve on a jury?

by Jessica Mackay, Taree

Gaye Lyons is profoundly deaf. She can lip read, but her usual method of ...

02 Feb 2017

Stupidity not necessarily a sackable offence, says Fair Work Commission

by Nathan Luke

We all know not to make jokes about bombs when we go through the airport. ...

27 Jan 2017

Relocating to another state with your child after divorce: steps you can take

by Ruth Whisker, Tweed Heads

So you’ve met the partner of your dreams and want to live happily ever after, ...

27 Jan 2017

What happens to your business when you get divorced?

by Nathan McEwan

Whether you are married or in a de facto relationship, divorcing or separating ...

26 Jan 2017

Were they in a de facto relationship at the time of the IVF conception? Which case won?

by Simone Timbs, Walcha

A case heard in the Family Court centred on a rather unusual dispute between two...

25 Jan 2017

Does a bank have a duty of care to its customers during a robbery?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Imagine you are a bank customer caught up in a bank robbery. There you are ...

19 Jan 2017

“I was approached by the police. What are my rights in New South Wales?”

by Fouad Awada

There are certain directions from police officers in NSW which must be followed ...

18 Jan 2017

Proof that it’s worth challenging government’s compulsory property acquisition

by Digby Dunn, Forster

Thousands of people in NSW are facing having their homes and property ...

18 Jan 2017

Documenting agreements in family law – parenting plans, consent orders and binding financial agreements

by Viktorija Saric

Recently we published the article Five good reasons to try to resolve your ...

17 Jan 2017

Beware of black market rent-to-buy housing schemes

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

It’s hard to save up money for a deposit on a home in today’s high priced ...

17 Jan 2017

Importance of succession planning to keep the family farm in the family

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

Making sure the family farm or family business stays in the family might seem ...

11 Jan 2017

Can spilling hot tea on a passenger make an airline liable? Which case won?

by Victoria Roy, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

A case heard in the NSW Supreme Court concerned a Sydney woman who suffered a ...

20 Dec 2016

The importance of emotional intelligence for lawyers

by Ruth Hudson, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Growing up and then coming to study law, I had always worried that my tendency ...

20 Dec 2016

Why it’s OK to sue your own family or friends for injuries

by Maurie Stack

The parents of a baby girl successfully sued the girl’s grandmother for ...

15 Dec 2016

Developer tries to terminate off-the-plan sale to cash in on soaring property prices – which case won?

by Peter Franke

Common in the contract for most off-the-plan real estate sales is what’s known...

09 Dec 2016

Family lawyers urged to steer clients towards private mediation

by Tim Couch, Port Macquarie

In the years I have practised in family law I have become convinced of the many ...

08 Dec 2016

Consumers urged to be wary of scams over Christmas

by Nathan Luke

While most of us think of Christmas as the season of goodwill and happy ...

08 Dec 2016

Ten point checklist to update your estate planning

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

New year’s resolutions usually last as long as the beer and cake left over ...

07 Dec 2016

Employing backpackers – be a fair employer and stay on the right side of the law

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

Everyone loves a bargain and backpackers are seen as an endless source of cheap ...

02 Dec 2016

Work Christmas parties – setting boundaries of behaviour and staying out of trouble

by Nathan Luke

The circumstances in which you can sack a worker for terrible behaviour at a ...

01 Dec 2016

What can you do if the view from your property is about to be blocked?

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

You’ve spent a huge amount of your hard-earned dollars on a home with a ...

29 Nov 2016

Can you murder someone who’s already dead? Which case won?

by Jessica Mackay, Taree

Earlier this year, a very unusual murder trial was heard in the Victorian ...

29 Nov 2016

Trump victory demonstrates why we need compulsory voting

by Maurie Stack

The outcome of the US presidential election provides a convincing argument for ...

22 Nov 2016

How to make your will challenge-proof

by Joshua Crowther, Taree

Challenging wills has become much more widespread, as property prices have ...

17 Nov 2016

Questions real estate agents ask about prescribed documents in property sales

by Amy Williams, Bowral

In my work as a licensed conveyancer, I am often approached by real estate ...

17 Nov 2016

Five good reasons to try to resolve your family law property and parenting disputes through private mediation

by Tim Couch, Port Macquarie

So you’ve separated from your husband, wife or partner. Your stress and ...

17 Nov 2016

Beware of using a statutory demand as a debt collection exercise

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

What is a statutory demand? A statutory demand is a demand sent to a company ...

11 Nov 2016

Maternity leave, paternity leave, partner leave, adoption leave and employee’s right to return to the same position

by Geoff Baldwin, Parramatta

“Parental leave entitlements” is a broad term covering maternity leave, ...

28 Oct 2016

Identity checks vital to combating fraud in property transactions

by Merrill Phillips, Taree

A case in the ACT Supreme Court earlier this year, Astell v Australian Capital ...

27 Oct 2016

Changes to strata laws in NSW aim to deliver urban renewal and boost housing supply

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

New strata laws which come into effect in NSW on 30 November introduce changes ...

21 Oct 2016

Vale Terry Curley

by Maurie Stack

Many people have been saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Curley at the age...

14 Oct 2016

Workers compensation changes in NSW leaving injured workers in the lurch

by Grant Avery, Taree

A study by Macquarie University has found changes the government made to the NSW...

11 Oct 2016

Taree and District Eisteddfod’s golden year ahead

by Tim Stack OAM, Taree

Article supplied courtesy of Manning River Times. Tim Stack has been elected ...

07 Oct 2016

Protecting the family farm with a family trust – universal panacea or double-edged sword?

by Anneka Frayne, Tamworth

One of the best ways to protect your assets is through a family trust. However, ...

04 Oct 2016

Compulsory acquisition of your property: stand up for your rights and don’t let yourself be bullied. Free help is available.

by Digby Dunn, Forster

Being told by the government that your home or property is about to be seized ...

04 Oct 2016

Rotary party in Centrepoint Arcade Taree for fundraising event

by Maurie Stack

Article supplied courtesy of Manning River Times. Local Rotarians and ...

28 Sep 2016

Proposed reforms to NSW CTP scheme to disadvantage accident victims and safeguard insurers’ profits

by Justin Stack, Taree

People injured in vehicle accidents in NSW are heading for a far worse ...

27 Sep 2016

What questions is it legal for employers to ask job applicants during an interview?

by Nathan Luke

The process of looking for a new worker to fill a vacancy is a source of anxiety...

22 Sep 2016

Performers gear up for Rotary Manning Valley Schools Spectacular

by Maurie Stack

Article supplied courtesy of Manning River Times. Students across the Manning...

22 Sep 2016

Giving large gifts to your children before you die: make sure you avoid unintended consequences

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

It is not uncommon for parents to provide financial assistance to their children...

22 Sep 2016

Discrimination against employees and job seekers who have a mental illness – legislation vs. reality

by Nathan Luke

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against workers or job seekers on ...

21 Sep 2016

Murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, misadventure and accident – forms of death from unnatural causes

by Jessica Mackay, Taree

The Australian laws relating to murder, attempted murder and manslaughter are ...

21 Sep 2016

Ambush marketing at the Rio Olympics – which case won?

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Ambush marketing is the practice by which a company attempts to associate its ...

06 Sep 2016

Ugg boots: the battle over trade mark rights

by Tony Mitchell, Tweed Heads

Court case pits American company against Australian manufacturer American ...

31 Aug 2016

Can you sack a worker for getting a tattoo?

by Nathan Luke

Employers can ban employees from having visible tattoos Employers are ...

31 Aug 2016

Injured while travelling? Know your legal rights

by Victoria Roy, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Any right to compensation will depend on a number of factors Travellers who ...

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