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The High Court of Australia recently handed down a landmark decision in Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd v Bartley [2025] HCA 29 (âHelensburgh Coalâ), evolving the legal landscape of redundancy and unfair dismissal.
For years, Australian employees have operated on the assumption that a redundancy was âgenu...
If you are a director of an Australian company, there is a legal obligation that may appear small in administrative terms but carries real consequences if ignored: you must hold a Director Identification Number. Recent prosecutions by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have ...
Loan agreements and mortgages are among the most significant legal documents individuals and business owners will sign. They carry long-term financial consequences and, if default occurs, expose borrowers to possession proceedings and substantial cost liabilities.
The recent Supreme Court of Victor...
When personal relationships fracture, the fallout often extends beyond the home, and for business owners, the commercial consequences can be dire. The 2024 Federal Circuit and Family Court decision in Emmerton & Manwaring (No 2) [2024] FedCFamC2F 966 offers a sobering example of how poor business go...
When planning to build a home, itâs common for homeowners to consult different builders and compare prices and design ideas. However, few realise that using someone else's house plans without permission, even with some modifications, can breach copyright law.
In this blog, we unpack the decision in...
Selling a business isnât just about agreeing on a price. Itâs about clearly defining who gets what and when. A Supreme Court of NSW case, Dangerous Goods Training Centre Pty Ltd v South Pacific Training Group Pty Ltd [2025] NSWSC 1356, sheds light on a common yet often overlooked issue in business s...
Since November 2021, all company directors in Australia have been required to apply for and hold a Director Identification Number (Director ID). The reform, part of the Australian Governmentâs Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program, was a key step towards improving transparency in corporate go...
Franchising is a popular business model in Australia, allowing brand expansion without direct operational control of each outlet. However, franchisors can be held responsible for serious breaches of workplace laws committed by their franchisees. The Full Court of the Federal Courtâs decision in Bake...
A recent Appeal Panel decision of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Take Two Seven Pty Ltd v Hewson Properties Pty Ltd [2025] NSWCATAP 1) has confirmed that a lesseeâs claim to the entire basement of a leased commercial premises can be defeated where the terms of the lease and supporting do...
In a recent decision of the NSW Supreme Court, Hederics v Spare Weel Pty Ltd [2025] NSWSC 1171, Justice Williams considered the breakdown of a farming partnership and a subsequent dispute over land ownership â raising important questions about proprietary estoppel, boundary realignment, and implied ...
Running a business can be both rewarding and risky - especially if its a cafe operated not by a single owner, but by business partners â often friends or family â who decide to âgo in together.â But when agreements are made informally, without clear written contracts, disputes can quickly arise.
Th...
Running a cafĂ© in a small town can be as much about the relationship with your landlord as it is about your menu. A recent case before the NSW Civil and Administrative TribunalâGardener v Bright; Bright v Gardener [2025] NSWCATCD 23âserves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear agree
...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.
