If you handle business or residential property insurance claims in Victoria, you should be aware that the government intends to extinguish the fire services levy.

"Copyright" is a property right recognised in Australian law as a part of what are known as "intellectual property rights". Copyright applies particularly to architectural plans and building.

Our e-alert of 17 June 2009 drew attention to the issue of Australian Customs' Notice No. 2009/25 by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the impending close attention by Customs to the use of the Enhanced Project By-law Scheme.

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has been investigating allegations of dumping and subsidies.

This update sets out some of the highlights in a very big year for the Australian Customs and Trade World.

Customs was asked to reinvestigate findings in relation to imports of aluminium road wheels and hollow steel sections.

The Federal Government has confirmed that negotiations for the Australian FTA with Korea (KFTA) have been completed.

The Australian Trusted Trader Programme could offer traders the best chance to secure their current trade environment.

First trial in the world which looked at the issue of whether an internet service provider ("ISP") is liable for the copyright infringement of its subscribers: Roadshow Films Pty Ltd v iiNet Limited (No. 3)

Data breach notification laws should be introduced into parliament soon, in a surprise move by the Federal Government.

On 24 April 2010 the Assistant Treasurer announced a tightening of the foreign investment rules for residential property. The changes include a package of penalties to ensure compliance.

This case has potential consequences for builders with respect to receiving payment for works undertaken on behalf of tenants of commercial buildings.

The NSW Premier and the Minister signalled major changes to the application of development codes to planning projects.

Vendors of real estate need to be careful that they fully understand the terms and conditions of the agency agreement offered by their real estate agent.

A matter was recently heard by the Supreme Court of Queensland concerning a purchaser’s right to terminate a contract for sale as a result of damage caused by the recent Queensland floods. The case concerns Section 64 of the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld) and relates to a riverside development completed in 2009

Section 254 of the ITAA imposes obligations on agents and trustees concerning income, profit or gains of a capital nature.

A purchaser landlord has to pay GST on rents received under a commercial lease previously entered into by the vendor.

The discussion paper seeks public debate and input on how tax concessions can be improved to assist the NFP sector.

On the 6 May 2010 the Honourable Greg Combet AM MP and the Honourable Senator Kim Carr announced that applications had opened for further assistance to support the insulation industry. The Insulation Industry Assistance Package ("IIAP") allows eligible businesses to seek a once off cash payment of 15 per cent of the dollar value of their ceiling insulation stock holding as at 30 April 2010 subject to certain eligibility criteria.

Australian Customs initiates investigation into alleged dumping and subsidisation of Biodiesel exported from the United States of America.