The changes will provide a simpler fee structure and bring IP Australia into line with other international IP offices.

The GST withholding legislation will target new residential premises, new residential subdivisions and long term leases.

The Court will only allow a caveat to remain on a property where there is a clear interest in the land.

In the last year there have been numerous decisions concerning the rent relief to be provided to tenants.

Need to consider if over threshold & the Act applies as this could affect the valuation and any management responsibilities.

Recent VCAT decision should give valuers some comfort that the valuer's appointment is difficult to successfully challenge.

Valuers must be careful when writing a valuation report, corresponding with landlords and tenants and answering queries.

In undertaking a market rent valuation, a valuer is permitted to take into account events which may impact the rent.

Court determines that even a lease for the manufacture of goods could be subject to the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic).

A landlord or tenant can report a valuer to the API if the valuer is believed to have engaged in professional misconduct.

In assessing stamp duty, the High Court adopted ‘ordinary principles of valuation' to assess the value of company assets.

The primary purpose of the bill is to provide, extend and clarify tax concessions and exemptions in 3 State tax Acts.

To claim transactions are unfair preferences, a liquidator must prove that the payment is made to an unsecured creditor.

If companies do not actively use their trademark in the course of trade, it could be removed on the grounds of non-use.

From 1 September 2008 the Equal Opportunity Act 1996 (Vic) (Act) will be amended by the Equal Opportunity Amendment (Family Responsibilities) Act 2008 (Vic) to ensure that employers do not unreasonably refuse to accommodate an individual's parental or carer responsibilities in relation to their work arrangements.

Employers may be exposed to claims for accrued entitlements for casual employees engaged regularly and systematically.

If the lease provides that the premises are air-conditioned, the landlord has an obligation to provide air-conditioning.

Valuers need to exercise extreme caution in providing a follow-up or supplementary valuation for the landlord or tenant.

The compliance assessment quiz can quickly provide you with an answer as to your compliance with rent relief legislation.

This article is as a reminder to eligible landowners of the fast-approaching dates to apply for land tax relief measures.