Category: Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) proposed a number of amendments in the workplace and industrial relations space which, given the election outcome, the Albanese government is likely to pursue.

On 15 June 2022, the Fair Work Commission handed down its 2022 Annual Wage Review decision.

On 28 July 2021, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments presented new recovery packages for small businesses. The new support packages will offer $400 million in support to small businesses to be funded equally between the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

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.

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.

On 8 April 2020, the Parliament passed legislation to give effect to the Government’s JobKeeper scheme and to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) to give eligible employers greater flexibility to modify employees’ working hours, days, duties and location to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business and seek to preserve jobs.

Last night, the Fair Work Commission granted a joint Australian Hotels Association and United Workers Union application to insert a COVID-19 flexibility schedule in the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 (Award), which will operate from 24 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, with a possible extension upon application.

To support the hospitality industry, the Victorian Commission for Liquor Licencing and Gambling Regulation (VCGLR) has announced a special temporary limited licence free of charge available to current liquor licensees that may be granted within 72 hours from application lodgement.

The current COVID-19 situation brings uncertain and unsettling times.

Rigby Cooke has received several enquiries from landlords and tenants alike regarding their rights and obligations under their lease.

Rigby Cooke Lawyer, led by property partner Darren Marx, recently acted for Stronghold Investment Management on its acquisition of the Cardinia Club from Pakenham Racing Club for $16m. The well established entertainment venue has 105 Electronic Gaming Machines, a large bistro, upmarket sports bar and multiple function rooms. Brisbane based Stronghold is a specialist Business Park and Hospitality sector Fund Manager.

After recently assisting our client and hotel developer, Barnes Capital, with the negotiation of a hotel management agreement with IHG, we congratulate the announcement of a new Holiday Inn to be built in Coburg, Melbourne.

We congratulate our client, Melbourne investment company and fund manager PE Capital, who revealed their plans to build an eight-storey, 200-key hotel, at yesterday’s (2 May) annual Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE).

The development and operation of commercial accommodation raises complex regulatory, contractual, commercial and taxation issues.

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Act) is currently undergoing a significant review as part of the Victorian Government’s extensive Fairer Safer Housing initiative. The proposed amendments contained within the review will have an impact on both caravan and residential park residents and operators.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has clarified the tax treatment of gaming machine entitlement fees expenditure deciding the amounts constitute a general deduction in the income year incurred.

Tourism and hospitality operators and retailers are being urged to smarten up on their legal rights regarding online reviews as the busy summer holiday season gets underway.

On Thursday 23 February 2017, the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) delivered its long awaited decision on penalty rates as part of its four yearly review of modern awards.

Rigby Cooke Lawyers are often approached by clients who have been pressured into entering into a contract or a lease for a hospitality premises without having the opportunity to undertake proper due diligence.

Avoid underpayment claims: This year’s award wage increases explained

Award rates and the national minimum wage increased by 2.4% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2016. Award allowances were also increased.