Special counsel Rebecca Edwards and partner Scott Hay-Bartlem discuss Rebecca's transition from aged care to elder law, exploring her dedication to supporting families during challenging times. The conversation covers the critical role of enduring powers of attorney and the legal complexities clients encounter when planning for their future.

Vanessa Thompson from Cooper Grace Ward's property, planning and environment team sits down with private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem to share her professional journey and insights into the firm. The conversation explores the evolution of planning and environment law while offering a glimpse into balancing a legal career with family life.

The paper considers tax-effective structuring and implications of tax planning strategies in an asset protection context.

This episode of Taxland discusses tax evasion - from historic cases on the eastern ports to cash coming in via airports.

Partners Scott Hay-Bartlem and Linda Tapiolas break down the 2026 federal Budget's proposed changes to discretionary trusts, examining new tax rates, beneficiary credits, and exemptions. As legislation continues to evolve, they explore the complexities of restructuring trust and company arrangements and explain why businesses should adopt a cautious approach to these significant reforms.

There has been a recent trend for the ATO to investigate cases of GST 'base erosion'.

The Senate has voted to abolish the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal and repeal the Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012.

Discover what drives lawyer Janice Yong in her legal career at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers. Learn about her journey in the profession, her passion for the work, and what alternative path she might have taken outside of law.

Partners Scott Hay-Bartlem and Clinton Jackson break down the critical tax distinctions between superannuation benefits paid during a member's lifetime versus death benefits distributed after passing. They explore timing considerations, beneficiary designation rules, and strategic estate planning approaches to optimize tax outcomes and ensure effective management of superannuation death benefits.

This paper looks at some specific issues that may be relevant in dealing with State tax issues.

Senior associate Sophia Ousager and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem discuss Sophia's career progression at CGW, from law clerk to senior associate, while exploring her personal interests and approach to client problem-solving. The conversation offers insights into life at the firm and the motivations that drive legal professionals in corporate advisory and private client work.

There are a number of steps to be followed and laws that govern how and when employers can make an employee redundant.

The proposed amendments to the 2016 budget measures for the treatment of TRIS and LRBAs have been passed.

Special counsel Jess Byrne reflects on her decade-long career progression at Cooper Grace Ward, from law clerk to her current role in the insurance team. She discusses her work in workers' compensation and CTP matters, highlighting the diverse client base and advocacy opportunities that define her practice.

Article contains link to a video where we get to know CGW partner, Belinda Winter.

Associate Francesca De Silva shares insights into her career at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, discussing her tenure with the firm and what drives her passion for legal practice.

This episode examines a Magistrates Court workplace injury case where an executive housekeeper at Daydream Island Resort claimed shoulder damage from pulling a hotel room door shut against wind. The discussion explores how inconsistencies in the plaintiff's evidence—including an unreported 'Dirty Dancing' lift injury five months prior—influenced the court's assessment of causation and foreseeability in this personal injury claim.

Special counsel Mark Cowan shares his journey to Cooper Grace Ward after nearly two decades in property, planning and environment law, discussing what attracted him to the firm's collaborative culture. The conversation explores how planning and environment law has transformed into a dynamic field spanning urban development, renewables, infrastructure, agriculture and mining, while examining the persistent challenge of delivering infrastructure efficiently amid shifting government policies.

Update on Division 296 tax - the tax on large superannuation balances.

This paper focuses on tax and other restructuring issues which should be considered before clients transfer assets.