There is volatility in the share market and residential rental yields have been rising as vacancy rates sit at record lows. There are predictions of strong capital growth, particularly for Sydney apartments.

On 2 September 2009, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) handed down it’s much anticipated decision about transitional provisions to be included in modern awards in stages 1 and 2 of the award modernisation process.

Employees earning over a certain amount are not able to bring an unfair dismissal claim against an employer. However, determining whether an employee earns above the cap is not always an easy task.

Recent amendments to the Contaminated Land Management Amendment Act 2008 are set to commence on 1 June 2009, dramatically broadening the powers of the EPA and bringing sweeping changes to the responsibilities and potential liability of owners and occupiers.

The ATO released a new tax ruling TR 2011/4 setting out its views on the meaning of 'charitable' .

Discussion of Tax Office reconsideration of tax exemptions for charities and not-for-profits and resulting new ruling and new version of GiftPack.

The registration of trade marks will be even more important for business owners with the new national business registration system, which is proposed to commence in April 2011. The Commonwealth Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research is currently in the final consultation stages for the new registration system, pending the passage of legislation in all state and territory jurisdictions.

Four new prudential standards were released on 4 March 2010 (the Standards), taking effect from 1 July 2010.

Along with changes that the NSW Government has made to free up consents under its Housing Code which commenced in February 2009

The NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell yesterday released the new State Government's 100 Day Action Plan, which confirms the Coalition's pre-election promises to axe the Torrens assurance levy and to extend the 'empty nesters' transfer duty concession.

Government introduction of new conditions for charities operating overseas.

Treasurer announces the release of an exposure draft regarding changes to public ancillary funds.

A further discussion draft of the WA finance brokers Code of Conduct was recently released for comment. Submissions are due by 9 August 2006.

In late 2005, gadens lawyers represented Sydney businessman Eddie Stevens who won a landmark case against Sony in the High Court that was widely-viewed as a win for gamers and chippers.

ACCC to investigate businesses passing on cost of carbon pricing to customers.

The WA Minister for Consumer Protection has announced that a revised finance brokers Code of Conduct is anticipated to commence on 29 June 2007.

Along with the controversial restrictions on 48 licensed premises announced by Premier Nathan Rees on 30 October last year, was the suggestion of a longer term solution to the problem of alcohol related violence. The government has now released a discussion paper in relation to the introduction of a safety rating which is open for public comment until March 31.

On 12 May 2010, the long awaited Paid Parental Leave Bill 2010 (Bill) was introduced into the federal parliament.

From Monday 30 January 2012, security interests will need to be registered on the Personal Property Security Register.

The retailer identified a practice where employees in some stores were required to attend work without being paid.