Blog

False sick leave claims - grounds for instant dismissal? business employment law fair work unfair dismissal Apr 30, 2025

In the recent case of Mitchell Fuller v Madison Branson Lawyers Pty Ltd [2025] FWC 784, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has provided clear guidance on serious misconduct, honesty in employment, and the application of the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code. This case serves as a strong reminder that e...

Read more ...
The Maroubra Cafe lease dispute business lease property retail lease Apr 16, 2025

Lease disputes between commercial tenants and landlords can be complex, particularly when disagreements arise over the scope of leased premises, obligations under the lease, and termination rights. The case of Maroubra Pool Café Pty Ltd v Fedele [2017] NSWSC 1722 highlights these issues, with the Su...

Read more ...
Misusing Company Funds: Lessons from Macarthur Farm Pty Ltd business litigation Mar 12, 2025

Company directors owe strict legal duties when managing corporate funds, and breaches of these duties can lead to significant legal consequences. This was evident in the recent case of In the Matter of Macarthur Farm Pty Ltd [2025] NSWSC 40, where the Supreme Court of New South Wales examined allega...

Read more ...
Understanding the Upcoming Changes to Casual Conversion Laws: A Guide for Small Business Owners business employment law fair work act Feb 26, 2025

As a small business owner, staying informed about legislative changes that affect your workforce is crucial. One significant update on the horizon pertains to casual employment and the pathways for casual employees to transition to permanent roles.

Firstly, the definition of casual employee (as per...

Read more ...
Why a corporate power of attorney is so important business business law corporation corporations act power of attorney Jan 15, 2025

In the realm of business law, a corporate power of attorney (POA) is an invaluable legal instrument for corporations operating in New South Wales (NSW) and across Australia. It authorises a designated person or entity to act on behalf of the corporation in specific legal, financial, or operational m...

Read more ...
De Facto Directors: Hidden Responsibilities and Legal Risks Under Australian Law business corporations act director penalty notice Dec 12, 2024

In the complex world of corporate governance, not all directors sit formally at the boardroom table. Some individuals may be exercising director-level influence without realizing they carry the same legal obligations as appointed directors. These are known as de facto directors, and understanding th...

Read more ...
Expanded protections under the Retail Leases Act - understanding the impact on rent review clauses business property retail lease retail leases act Dec 04, 2024

Retail leasing in New South Wales underwent significant changes in January 2023, following amendments to the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW) . These changes, introduced through the Retail Leases Regulation 2022, aimed to modernise the retail leasing landscape and address gaps in tenant protections. For...

Read more ...
When a Business Succession Agreement is not enough to deal with the death of a business partner business business agreement deceased estate estate planning Nov 29, 2024

Iron Horse Machines Pty Ltd v Olmate Holdings Pty Ltd [2024] WASC 383

The dispute between Iron Horse Machines Pty Ltd and Olmate Holdings Pty Ltd arises from the breakdown of a long-standing business partnership between two long-time friends, Mr James Cross and the late Mr Darren Verwijmeren. The t...

Read more ...
Lessons to be learned from this family business dispute business family business heads of agreement supreme court Nov 06, 2024

A family dispute concerning the ownership and control of Kennedy Watches & Jewellery Pty Ltd ("the Business"), a well-known distributor of luxury watches with franchise agreements with prestigious brands like Rolex, Patek Phillippe, and Omega, was dealt with in the Supreme Court of New South Wales i...

Read more ...
Unfair Dismissal and Genuine Redundancy: Janus v Red Star Gold Coast Pty Ltd business employment law fair work act fair work commission unfair dismissal Oct 09, 2024

Employment disputes can often hinge on technicalities, with the line between lawful redundancy and unfair dismissal being particularly nuanced. In the case of Janus v Red Star Gold Coast Pty Ltd, a couple employed as motel managers found themselves out of work following a restructuring of the busine...

Read more ...
Trouble was a-brewing for a tea industry partnership business business law partnership agreements supreme court May 29, 2024

A partnership agreement will typically contain a provision specifying what happens if a partner wishes to exit the partnership - for example, in the case of retirement. The agreement will then typically also contain a provision specifying how the outgoing partner's share in the partnership is to be ...

Read more ...
Is a wine bin number inherently able to distinguish it as a trade mark? business business law business lawyer ip australia trade marks Sep 17, 2023

An application for registration of a trade mark can be refused by Intellectual Property Australia (IP Australia) for various reasons – including the trade mark not being capable of distinguishing the applicant’s designated goods and/or services from the goods and/or services of other persons (sectio...

Read more ...
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

This blog provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws may have changed since the publication of this content. We recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with current legislation and to address specific circumstances.