As drone technology continues to improve with time, the ways in which drones can be utilised for commercial purposes is also expanding. But as businesses begin to experiment with using drones to enhance their business, they must ensure that they adhere to the strict laws governing drone flights in Australia. The use of drones in […]
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is the body in Australia that is responsible for ensuring that individuals and businesses comply with Australian competition, fair trading, and consumer protection laws – in particular the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Earlier this month the ACCC were successful in an action against Hewlett-Packard Australia (HP). HP […]
It is a very common provision in commercial and retail leases that a tenant is required to “make good” the leased premises at the end of the lease or upon vacating the property. It is important for tenants when entering into a lease to make sure they understand their make good obligations and to seek […]
It is a common point of contention in commercial and retail leases as to who is responsible for the installation, replacement, maintenance and/or repair of necessary fire safety fittings and fixtures in the tenanted premises. There are a number of fire safety measures that must be maintained in all commercial properties (for example: smoke detectors, […]
Fixed term employment contracts are a common means by which employers employ staff in Australia. A recent decision of the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission has now opened the door for employees engaged under fixed term employment contracts to bring unfair dismissal claims at the end of their contract term. Traditionally fixed term […]
A public options paper recently published by the NSW Government addressing short-term holiday letting proposes a crackdown on accommodation services in NSW such as the popular Airbnb website. Airbnb is a marketplace to list or discover accommodation around the world starting with single rooms and expanding to villas and castles. At present Australian law treats […]
Fashion and home furnishing company Laura Ashley was placed in administration in January 2016, electronics magnate Dick Smith went into receivership the same month, fashion retailers Marcs and David Lawrence were placed into voluntary administration in February 2017, and childrenswear retailer Pumpkin Patch is currently in receivership, with its last remaining store fronts to close […]
Draft legislation has recently been released for public consultation, as a result of the recent review conducted as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda introduced by the Federal Government. The changes attempt to reduce the stigma associated with corporate failure in Australia, and to encourage company directors to address any financial hardship at […]
Social media sites are becoming more and more part of our everyday lives and society, including our legal system, as a recent New South Wales Supreme Court decision shows. The case of Wakim v Criniti [2016] NSWSC 1723 demonstrates that in cases where a plaintiff is unable to physically locate a defendant for the service […]
Business and consumers take note that from 1 September new laws come into force that aim to prevent businesses from charging ‘excessive’ surcharges for credit and debit card payments. The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Payment Surcharges) Bill 2015 (Cth) was passed earlier this year which contains a new law providing that “a corporation must not, […]
