Byline: Jenna Bayindir

Case note: Damou v Damou & Anor [2025] VSC 14

A common problem faced by executors and administrators of deceased estates is how to deal with people continuing to occupy a property owned by a deceased person. Often, the occupier of the property is a child or relative of the deceased who has been given informal permission to stay in the property by the deceased, instead of through a formal lease with rent being paid.

A recent decision of the Supreme Court of Victoria (Court) in Damou v Damou & Anor [2025] VSC 14 (Damou) highlights the issues that executors and administrators ought to consider before commencing proceedings seeking the removal of occupiers in those circumstances.

While heavily regulated, the transport and logistics industry continues to experience increasing and expanded security threats. The most recent threats are cyber threats, smuggling of tobacco, vapes and other illicit substances. Late last year, new legislation was introduced into Parliament that reflects the need for increased security in the transport industry.

In today’s uncertain economic climate, marked by inflation and high interest rates, many industries are struggling with clients who are late on payments. The transport and logistics sector is no exception. However, these companies may mitigate their risks by including contractual liens in their service agreements.