Section 162 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 (NSW) provides that a Fair Trading Strata Schemes Adjudicator can order for the compulsory appointment of a strata managing agent to exercise all of the functions of an owners corporation, or only specified functions, as well as the functions of ...

There are a number of reasons why it’s a good thing to know your neighbours and be on good terms … but one situation that may not come immediately to mind is when you want to renovate or develop your property.  Having a good relationship with your neighbour can be the difference between a quick, has...

So, as a smaller business, do you think you are immune from the wrath of the ACCC?  Think again.

 In recent months, the ACCC has been successful with the following enforcement action:

• Omniblend Pty Ltd – an online retailer of kitchen applicances – found guilty of resale price maintenance in the
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The media last year picked up on the fact that a Victorian company had applied to IP Australia for a trademark over the phrase “Waltzing Matilda” for goods and services relating to online material, videos, CDs etc.  It was reported that as a result, the town of Winton, which claims it was the birthp...

As some people may be aware the government passed new legislation, the Conveyancing Amendment (Sunset Clauses) Act 2015 (NSW), at the end of last year with the sole purpose of amending the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) to prevent a developer from unreasonably rescinding an off-the-plan contract for a ...

When there are drastic changes in the content of the will of a deceased just prior to their death, a number of potential issues arise which need to be addressed in the administration of the deceased’s estate.  It is not uncommon for so called “deathbed wills” to be challenged by aggrieved family mem...

We have all heard of the saying – “be proactive, rather than reactive” – but what does that actually mean, particularly when you are talking in the context of a business? It means taking steps sooner rather than later to avoid issues arising, rather than only taking steps once the issue has arisen –...

As most people know, if there is a swimming pool on your property, then you are required by section 7 of the Swimming Pools Act 1982 (NSW) to ensure that the swimming pool is, at all times, surrounded by a child resistant barrier which complies with the Building Code of Australia as prescribed by th...

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) commenced proceedings against Chrisco Hampers Australia Ltd (Chrisco) in the Federal Court almost 12 months ago, alleging that the lay-by agreement for its Christmas hampers was unfair.

The Federal Court has just handed down its decision – and...

With the wild weather in New South Wales of late, the question has come up – what happens if the property you are buying is damaged between exchanging contracts and settlement? What are your rights? Does the vendor have to fix the damage? Do you have to settle?

Part 4 Division 7 of the Conveyancing...

It is a commonly held belief that if you die without a Will, your assets automatically transfer to the State.  However, this is incorrect.  It is only if you die without a Will and without any eligible relatives that your assets will transfer to the State.

Who are eligible relatives?

Eligible rela...

Have you ever entered into a business contract which you think is unfair? Was it a standard form contract which offered plenty of protection for one party but not the other? Smaller businesses now have protection from unfair contracts under laws which were introduced on 12 November 2015.