News & Insights

Our latest news and insights

A collection of articles, case studies and media releases highlighting the latest in legal news and at Rigby Cooke Lawyers.

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trade

The ongoing Australian trade agenda response to the COVID–19 pandemic. Open for business even with borders closed

28 June 2021

This article was first published in June 2021 by Thomson Reuters Canada.

Despite the optimism surfacing in some quarters that the world and its economy are recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic, recovery is far from complete and the consequences will continue to affect the world for many years. This article provides some insight into how Australia’s trade has coped and the shape of its recovery – with a little help from its friends.

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Wage

Preparing for 1 July 2021 (and beyond) – including wage and superannuation increases

28 June 2021

Annual Wage Review Decision

On 16 June 2021, the Fair Work Commission handed down its 2021 Annual Wage Review Decision.

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HR Hot Tip – Is the employer obliged to set up office equipment at home as well as at the office?

23 June 2021

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Associate Stephanie Shahine, who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements and employers’ health and safety requirements, especially as business begins to transition back into the office.

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forced labour

Senate report pushes for restrictions on imported goods produced by forced labour

23 June 2021

This article was first published on 22 June 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

Concerns for human rights have manifested themselves in many ways over the course of many years and led to a range of responses over that time, whether by unilateral national action or collective international action through such bodies as the United Nations Human Rights Council.

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Free Trade agreement

Australia and United Kingdom outline the essentials of their new Free Trade Agreement

16 June 2021

Following a flurry of negotiations and carefully worded press releases, Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) have finally confirmed the outline of their agreement on a Free Trade Agreement (FTAs) between the two nations.

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budget

Customs & Trade: A deeper dive into the 2021-22 Federal budget

11 June 2021

This article was first published in June 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

Customs & Trade law expert Andrew Hudson takes a close look at the latest Federal budget, with a focus on how it will affect industry.

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Victorian Budget 2021-22: Property-related announcements legislated

10 June 2021

The various Property-related tax measures announced in the Victorian State Government Budget will now become law.

The State Taxation and Mental Health Acts Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) has passed Victorian Parliament and is currently awaiting Royal Assent.

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HR Hot Tip – Face masks and Personal Protective Equipment: as an employer, am I required to provide face masks to employees?

03 June 2021

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Associate Stephanie Shahine who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements and employers’ Health and Safety requirements, especially as business begins to transition back into the office.

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Victorian Budget 2021-22: overview of Property measures

24 May 2021

The Victorian State Government Budget, released on Thursday 20 May 2021, has produced a mixed bag of tax amendments that will affect many taxpayers who own property or are involved in property development.

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STS

Australian Federal Government starts work on the Simplified Trade System

21 May 2021

This article was first published on 20 May 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

Against the background of concerns on the Federal Government’s trade facilitation agenda, the last two Federal budgets have allocated funding towards work on a “Simplified Trade System” (STS) to operate across Government agencies involved in the import and export of goods.

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The Legal Life – meet Tom Hoerner

20 May 2021

Tom Hoerner is a Senior Associate in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution group.

Tom shares what he enjoys most about working in the legal sector and what he is looking forward to for the remainder of 2021.

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Federal Budget

Federal Budget 2021-22: overview of Workplace Relations measures

17 May 2021

The Treasurer handed down the Federal Budget last week. Detailed below are the key tax measures announced that are relevant to Human Resources managers who will need to familiarise themselves with the developments.

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free trade agreements

Free-trade agreements: not just a mechanism for more trade

17 May 2021

This article was first published in May 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

Trade law expert Andrew Hudson argues that free-trade agreements are increasingly not just about trade, they also address societal issues, and this is a good thing.

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Vaccination

No vaccination jab, no job?

14 May 2021

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has recently handed down two significant decisions which turn to the question of whether requiring an employee to receive an influenza vaccination is a lawful and reasonable direction.

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Federal Budget

Federal Budget 2021-22: and some news for industry

12 May 2021

The COVID–19 Pandemic has created many unusual outcomes. One of those was the delay of the May 2020 Australian Federal Budget until October 2020 which included a series of measures aimed at management of the economy in the face of the Pandemic and forecasting future deficits.

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Federal Budget

Federal Budget 2021-22: overview of taxation measures

12 May 2021

The Treasurer handed down the Federal Budget 2021-22 on 11 May 2021. Detailed below is a summary of the significant tax measures announced, followed by further detail regarding each of those measures.

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data protection

Privacy Week: Australians lose confidence in big brands data protection policies

11 May 2021

As Privacy Awareness Week 2021 draws to a close, Rigby Cooke Lawyers are sharing the results of research recently undertaken by Kantar Australia on behalf of the firm, and what this means for businesses.

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HR Hot Tip – Safe workplaces: COVID-19 tests and staff quarantine

06 May 2021

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Associate Stephanie Shahine, who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements and employers’ health and safety requirements, especially as business begins to transition back into the office.

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The Legal Life – meet Stuart Miller

28 April 2021

Stuart Miller is a Special Counsel in our Construction & Projects team.

Stuart shares how he unwinds and what he enjoys most about working in the legal sector.

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How to determine someone’s decision making capacity

20 April 2021

If one of your loved ones appears to have reduced mental clarity and is planning to make significant decisions regarding changes to their Will, or is considering signing legal documents such as Enduring Powers of Attorney, how should you proceed?

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HR Hot Tip – Can a business direct staff to return to work?

16 April 2021

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Associate Stephanie Shahine, who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements and employers’ health and safety requirements, especially as business begins to transition back into the office.

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Best Lawyers

Rigby Cooke partners again receive Best Lawyers recognition

15 April 2021

Rigby Cooke is pleased to announce that two of our partners, Andrew Hudson and David McLaughlin, have again been included in the Best Lawyers in Australia rankings for 2022. Best Lawyers is a highly regarded, peer reviewed publication with over 30 years of history.

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The Legal Life – meet Travis Johnson

14 April 2021

Travis Johnson is an Associate in our Corporate & Commercial group.

Travis shares how he unwinds and why he chose to be a lawyer.

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Beyond the pandemic – trade facilitation and supply chain questions

12 April 2021

This article was first published in April 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

The world continues to struggle with the practical consequences of congestion in the supply chain and governments are initiating reviews into supply chain vulnerabilities and how they may be addressed. However, it remains important that we do not overlook other initiatives to facilitate trade which may have been stalled by the focus on the more immediate problems of the global pandemic.

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Planning & Environment; Doyles Guide

Doyles Guide recognition for Rigby Cooke Lawyers Planning & Environment team

12 April 2021

Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Planning & Environment team have again been recognised for their exceptional work in the Victorian planning space.

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Rigby Cooke expands its Litigation & Dispute Resolution team

06 April 2021

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Hoerner as a Senior Associate in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team.

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contract risk

Managing contract risk in a COVID-19 climate

06 April 2021

This article was first published in March 2021 by AMTIL.

With the commercial impacts of COVID-19 still fully to reveal themselves, the uncertainty this creates for manufacturers, suppliers and service providers in the construction, engineering and infrastructure sectors will likely be felt for some time.

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Industrial Relations Omnibus Bill update

30 March 2021

Significant amendments to the proposed Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2021 (the Bill) were circulated and passed on 17 March 2021 at the Senate.

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Family Trust Election – What is it and do I need one?

24 March 2021

If your family trust receives franked dividends or has tax losses, the trustee should consider the option of making a family trust election (FTE) in order to access certain tax concessions.

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Dixon: A Cautionary Case of U.S.-Australian Tax Issues

12 March 2021

This article was first published on 8 February 2021 by Tax Notes International.

This article was co-authored by Marsha Laine Dungong, Tax Partner in the Withers San Francisco office.

No other movie but Star Wars comes close to explaining the tragic duality and complexity of international tax. It demands more than just a pedantic understanding of civil and common laws, tax regimes and treaties. It requires a certain mental agility and appetite for the unknown to understand foreign structures and transactions, unravel its complexity and identify its “closest of kin” in the United States (U.S.) tax regime.

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Is this a medicament I see before me?

11 March 2021

This article was first published in March 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

The tariff classification of goods is a crucial part of the international supply chain, as it applies to goods at the point of import and export and can affect a number of vital issues such as whether goods are allowed to be imported or exported at all, the duty payable at the point of import and whether dumping or countervailing duty is payable.

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Promises made during your lifetime may bind your estate long after you die

11 March 2021

Victoria’s family provision legislation was substantially amended by the introduction of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Succession and Surrogacy) Act 2014.

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Amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth): Changes to director-resignation laws from 18 February 2021

04 March 2021

To prevent illegal phoenix activity, the Commonwealth Parliament has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Act 2020 (Cth) (Act) which came into effect on 18 February 2021.

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Recent amendment to the Land Tax Act to abolish “special land tax”

03 March 2021

A recent amendment to the Land Tax Act has abolished “special land tax”. Special land tax was a one off tax charge at the rate of 5% of the unimproved value of the land. The abolition of the tax came into effect from the 16 December 2020.

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Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Workplace Relations expertise recognised

03 March 2021

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is pleased to announce that our Workplace Relations team has again been recognised for their outstanding work in Employment Law in Victoria.

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New “Ports Victoria” and other developments from the “Interim Government Response” to the Victorian Ports System review

03 March 2021

The release of the “Interim Government Response” (Response) to the independent review of the Victorian Ports System Review (Review) on 26 February 2021 comes at a time when there is ongoing attention on the state, national and international supply chains.

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Andrew Hudson, Whos Who Legal

Who’s Who Legal recognition for Rigby Cooke Lawyers

01 March 2021

Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Partner, Andrew Hudson has been recognised by Who’s Who Legal as a “Recommended Lawyer” in their Global Trade & Customs list 2020.

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Productivity Commission review gives additional focus into the supply chain

24 February 2021

On 19 February 2021, the Federal Treasurer requested the Productivity Commission (Commission) undertake an independent review (Review) “into supply chain vulnerabilities and risks” to “ensure that the Australian economy is prepared for “possible supply chain disruptions”.

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HR Hot Tip – Is your business doing enough to protect workers’ personal information?

18 February 2021

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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Will challenges – how much could they get?

11 February 2021

In Australia, we have what is known as ‘freedom of testation’. That is, a person is free to leave their assets to whomever they wish when they die.

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Rigby Cooke expands its Construction & Projects team

10 February 2021

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Miller as a Special Counsel in our Construction & Projects team led by Greg Bush.

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Supply Chain

Supply chain and regulation

09 February 2021

This article was first published in February 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

Even as the world struggles with the health issues from the pandemic, those relying on the supply chain are facing a variety of problems, which collectively are creating additional delays, cost and uncertainty. None of these factors will assist with economic recovery, or the distribution of vaccines and other medical products being used to deal with the pandemic. Further, the economic benefits of a reduction in tariffs through Free Trade Agreements and other trade facilitation measures are being eroded by problems and costs in the supply chain.

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Wareham v Marsella – Trustees Duties and their implication for Self Managed Super Funds

05 February 2021

Court of Appeal Superannuation Case

Managing your own self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) brings with it estate planning issues. In addition to contemplating who will be entitled to receive your superannuation death benefit on your death, you must also consider who will take control of your fund if you were to lose capacity or die.

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HR Hot Tip – Are your independent contractors at risk of being deemed employees?

02 February 2021

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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The Legal Life – meet Marcus Schivo

01 February 2021

Marcus Schivo is an Associate in our Wills, Trusts & Estates group.

Marcus shares his career highlight to date and what he is looking forward to in 2021.

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HR Hot Tip – Are your employees restrained from setting up a competitive business or, working for a competitor after they leave? Are those restraints effective? Do they include well drafted confidentiality clauses?

21 January 2021

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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Budget implications for trade

15 January 2021

This article was first published in January 2021 by Daily Cargo News.

Back in October 2020, the federal government released its proposed budget for the 2020/2021 financial year. As usual, most of the details had been formally announced or “leaked” but it is worth paying attention to a few issues.

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A New Year’s Resolution you should keep – “New Will”

14 January 2021

As we reflect on 2020, it highlights how unexpected life can be and how so much can be out of our control. Last year, due to bushfires in the early part of the year and COVID-19 we saw unprecedented financial, economic, and human loss across not only Australia but the world.

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Succession Planning

Business succession planning – now is the time to take control

18 December 2020

As we reflect on 2020, we will no doubt remember how unexpected life can be and how much is out of our control. However, there is one aspect of our lives we can control, and that is our estate planning. As we start 2021 with anticipation and possibly some trepidation, there is no better time than now to take control of your succession plan.

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Trade complications with the EU

17 December 2020

This article was first published in December 2020 by Daily Cargo News.

Just when we thought that the most complex thing affecting our trade relationship with the European Union (EU) was how Brexit was going to be effected and how the free trade agreement was going to be completed, other developments are quickly coming into play which may make the position even more complicated.

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HR Hot Tip – Are your payroll records and pay slips compliant with the Fair Work Act? What happens if my payroll records and pay slips are not compliant?

15 December 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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COVID Risks

Return to work, return to manufacturing – Managing COVID-19 Risks

14 December 2020

This article was first published on 10 December 2020 by AMTIL.

As COVID-19 (COVID) community transmission rates continue to stay at zero, Victorians welcome back normality. Or something close to it. Since 11:59 pm, 8 November, metropolitan Melbourne entered the third stage of reopening, in line with regional Victoria.

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HR Hot Tip – What obligations arise when terminating an employee’s employment?

10 December 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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Customs tariff legislation introduced to Parliament

08 December 2020

On 3 December 2020, the Government introduced a new Bill into the Federal Parliament known as the Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals and Other Measures) Bill 2020 (Bill).

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HR Hot Tip – Do you have to have an equal employment opportunity policy in place?

01 December 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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HR Hot Tip – What terms and conditions apply to employees who are not covered by an industrial instrument?

24 November 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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A new era for Australia’s sanctions regime

23 November 2020

This article was first published in November 2020 by Daily Cargo News.

I was invited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to prepare a chapter on the Australian sanctions regime for inclusion in an ABA publication on comparative sanctions regimes. As I provide advice on sanctions to clients and have an interest in my capacity as a director of the Export Council of Australia, it was a pleasure to accept and spend some time trying to reduce the complex issues both in Australia and overseas.

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HR Hot Tip – Are you complying with your obligations under the NES?

19 November 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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The Legal Life – meet Gemma Robinson

18 November 2020

Gemma Robinson is a Senior Associate in our Planning & Environment group.

Gemma shares her favourite holiday spot and her best piece of advice for lawyers starting out today.

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Comment: Australia joins RCEP – the big new deal comes over the horizon

17 November 2020

This article was first published in November 2020 by Daily Cargo News.

Recent news on the international trade stage has been less than optimistic – especially for those Australian exporters who are held up by ongoing Chinese trade bans on some of our primary products and resources.

It appears to be a direct consequence of some diplomatic disagreements but, to date, falls short of a full trade war.

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HR Hot Tip – What does “consult” mean?

13 November 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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US election

The possible Australian trade consequences from the US election result

09 November 2020

According to most officials, we appear to have a winner in the United States (US) election with the announcement of the success of the Biden/Harris ticket.

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HR Hot Tip – What requirements do you have to consult with employees and/or unions about “major changes”?

05 November 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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The Legal Life – meet Angela Foudoulis

05 November 2020

Angela Foudoulis is a Senior Associate in our Corporate & Commercial group, specialising in commercial property.

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HR Hot Tip – Which industrial instruments apply to which groups of employees?

22 October 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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COVID-19 Responce

Federal Budget 2020 – COVID-19 Response Package

21 October 2020

2020 has been a challenging year for many Australians which has seen the Government forced to intervene to provide economic support and legislative provisions in an attempt to provide ongoing assistance to many Australians and businesses.

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trade disputes

Resolving trade disputes in a troubled world

15 October 2020

This article was first published in October 2020 by Daily Cargo News.

For many years, disputes on trade have led to actual warfare. “Send a gunboat”, was often cited as part of British foreign policy when trade was at risk. Think of the British and French Opium Wars with the Chinese Qing Dynasty which led to the opening of additional European jurisdiction over Chinese ports including Guangzhou and Shanghai and the concession over Hong Kong in favour of the British.

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HR Hot Tip – What are the different types of employment and employment contacts?

14 October 2020

Welcome to our series of HR interviews with Lawyer Monika Nosal who answers some of the most common questions asked by HR managers regarding employees’ legal entitlements.

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Manufacturing Strategy

Federal Budget 2020 – Modern Manufacturing Strategy

09 October 2020

The Federal Budget 2020 sees the Morrison Government investing $1.5 billion in new funding over five years from 2020-21 to support the Modern Manufacturing Strategy. This strategy is an integral part of the Government’s $74 billion JobMaker Plan to tackle rising unemployment with sustainable long-term jobs.

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Digital Business Plan

Federal Budget 2020 – Digital Business Plan

08 October 2020

The Federal Budget 2020 saw a $795.5 million investment in the Government’s Digital Business Plan as part of the JobMaker Plan. It’s objective is to improve productivity, income growth and jobs by supporting the adoption of digital technologies by Australian businesses and to see Australia become a leading digital economy by 2030.

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Federal Budget 2020 – some customs and trade issues

07 October 2020

On Tuesday 6 October 2020, the Federal Government released its proposed budget for 2020-21, together with forward estimates of future receipts and expenses. As usual, most of the details had previously been formally announced or “leaked” previously but it is worth paying attention to a few issues. In doing so I have borrowed shamelessly from the exact words from the relevant budget text to ensure accuracy and only added additional commentary when the issue warrants that additional attention.

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Federal Budget 2020 - Tax

Federal Budget 2020 – overview of taxation measures announced

07 October 2020

The Treasurer handed down the Federal Budget 2020-21 on 6 October 2020. Detailed below is an overview of the significant tax measures announced, followed by further information regarding each of these measures.

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Eichmann v FCT – land used to store tools and equipment is an active asset

06 October 2020

The Full Federal Court has held that land which was used to store tools and equipment was an active asset, enabling the taxpayer to access the small business Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions.

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The Legal Life – meet Victoria Comino

02 October 2020

Victoria Comino is a Special Counsel in our Workplace Relations group, with over 20 years of workplace relations experience across both legal and commercial practice.

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VCLGR announces Temporary Limited Licenses for hospitality industry

25 September 2020

The pandemic period has been an extreme burden on the hospitality industry. The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) in conjunction with the Victorian Government has, in addition to its previous leniency on certain liquor regulations, agreed to support licensees with the opportunity to extend their trading footprint by seeking a temporary licence to trade outdoors for the duration of the COVID-19 period.

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The Legal Life – meet Christian Teese

17 September 2020

Christian Teese is a Special Counsel in our Wills, Trusts & Estates group.

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Comment: congestion and other charges choking trade at Port Botany

15 September 2020

This article was first published in September 2020 by Daily Cargo News.

It seems counterintuitive but even as Australia struggles out of recession and pandemic, a number of lines have determined that the state of services through Port Botany, Sydney, require the imposition of an additional ‘congestion charge’ for a variety of reasons including the lack of overtime resulting from legally protected industrial action by stevedore employees at Port Botany.

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Rigby Cooke strengthens its Litigation & Dispute Resolution team

14 September 2020

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is delighted to announce the appointment of Christos Bouras as Senior Associate in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team.

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e-commerce

Facilitating and regulating e–commerce

11 September 2020

This article was first published in September 2020 by Daily Cargo News.

One of the stories from the COVID–19 pandemic has been the surging numbers of goods being moved through e-commerce. The forced levels of isolation have caused consumers and corporates to resort to purchasing even more goods than ever online seeking urgent delivery.

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The Legal Life – meet Reto Hofmann

10 September 2020

Reto Hofmann is a Special Counsel in our Planning & Environment group, with 15 years of expertise in the planning law jurisdiction.

Reto shares some notable career challenges and his goals for 2020.

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Wage Theft Act

The Wage Theft Act commences operation

04 September 2020

This article was first published on 3 September 2020 by AMTIL.

The phrase ‘wage theft’ has been introduced into the Australian industrial landscape.

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Large fine for Fatigue Breaches under Heavy Vehicle National Law

02 September 2020

During these difficult times, it is important that all members of the supply chain remember their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and, in particular, their primary duty under the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) provisions. The potential financial and legal ramifications of failing to comply with those obligations can be significant as seen in a recent case in Queensland.

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JobKeeper extension

JobKeeper 2.0 – extension bill passes Parliament

02 September 2020

Late yesterday, the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (JobKeeper Payments) Amendments Bill 2020 (Bill) to extend the JobKeeper Payment scheme (JobKeeper) announced by the Federal Government in July 2020 was passed by Parliament after Labor and the Greens failed to win support for amendments.

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Superannuation guarantee amnesty deadline fast approaching

31 August 2020

The 7 September 2020 deadline for the Australian Tax Office (ATO) superannuation guarantee amnesty (the Amnesty) is fast approaching.

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Comment: the Commonwealth moves to rein in agreements with foreign governments

31 August 2020

This article was first published in August 2020 by Daily Cargo News.

The Australian Commonwealth Constitution (the Commonwealth) has an interesting history including its development through a series of Constitutional Conventions between the representative of state governments and other interested parties.

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Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund

Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund

28 August 2020

Following the announcement made by Treasurer Tim Pallas on 20 August 2020, the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund (Fund) has been created in recognition of small, private landlords who may not have the capacity to provide rent reductions to their tenants under the requirements of the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS).

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Updates to rental lease rights and obligations during COVID-19

20 August 2020

Today, Treasurer Tim Pallas announced that the Victorian Government will extend its moratorium on evictions and rental increases for both residential and commercial tenancies in Victoria until 31 December 2020. There will be some specific exceptions to this rule, the details of which are yet to be identified.

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The Legal Life – meet our newly promoted Lawyer Marcus Schivo

19 August 2020

Marcus Schivo is a newly promoted Associate in our Wills, Trusts & Estates group.

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Personal Leave

High Court rules on personal leave

17 August 2020

On Thursday 13 August 2020, the High Court handed down its much-anticipated decision in the “Mondelez” case. This matter involved an appeal by Mondelez against the Federal Court Full Court decision which effectively held that 10 days personal leave under the National Employment Standards was 10 days regardless of the ordinary hours worked on any day. For Mondelez, this meant that 12-hour shift workers could have 10 days of 12 hours of personal leave per year, equal to 120 hours of personal leave per year.

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Licence to move freight

12 August 2020

This article was first published in August 2020 by The Daily Cargo News.

In many countries, some participants in the private supply chain are licensed by government to undertake their roles.

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Doyle’s Guide success for Rigby Cooke Lawyers

06 August 2020

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is pleased to announce that our Wills, Trusts and Estates team continues to be recognised for their exceptional work in Victoria.

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Changes to support and control of medical treatment equipment at the border increase with COVID-19

04 August 2020

This article was first published in August 2020 by AMT Magazine.

During the current pandemic, the focus of many has been on the manufacture of medical equipment required for the treatment of COVID-19 and their urgent movement through the international supply chain.

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WorkSafe

New duty to report COVID-19 to WorkSafe

30 July 2020

Consistent with the ever-changing workplace during this COVID-19 Pandemic, another new requirement has been introduced for employers.

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Director penalty notices – the looming threat in the COVID-19 crisis

23 July 2020

Since 1 April 2020, in a significant extension to the director penalty regime, company directors are now personally liable for unpaid Goods and Services Tax (GST) (including luxury car tax and wine equalisation tax). The expansion of the regime was introduced as part of the Government’s broader reform of Australia’s corporate insolvency regime.

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pandemic leave

Paid pandemic leave for aged care workers?

22 July 2020

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has today (Wednesday 22 July 2020) issued a statement that it has come to a provisional view that paid pandemic leave should be inserted into the Aged Care Award.

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New permanent identifier regime for directors to be introduced

17 July 2020

On 22 June 2020, the Australian Federal Government passed legislation setting out a legal framework for the introduction of a Director Identification Number (DIN) regime for directors.

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review

Victoria announces independent review of the operation of Victoria’s Ports

16 July 2020

As an island nation, Australia has always relied heavily on its ports, their wharves and other facilities as well as the associated land–side infrastructure including rail and road access, stevedore operations and empty container parks. Much of the national and international supply chain relies on the efficient operation of the sector.

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The Legal Life – meet our newly promoted lawyer Victoria Comino

14 July 2020

Victoria Comino is a newly promoted Special Counsel in our Workplace Relations group. She has over 20 years of workplace relations experience across both legal and commercial practice.

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IA-CEPA

New Indonesian Free Trade deal up and running

10 July 2020

This article was first published in July 2020 by The Daily Cargo News.

The Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is a positive development for the global free trade agenda writes Customs and Trade Partner, Andrew Hudson.

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Will, probate. superannuation

Wills and Estates 101 – Where Wills are in Doubt – Your Rights to Challenge

09 July 2020

In the fourth of our Wills and Estates 101 series, we speak with Rigby Cooke Lawyers Wills and Estates Special Counsel, Christian Teese, to answer questions around your rights to challenge the validity of a Will.

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