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KEY TAKEAWAYS: An Occupation Certificate (OC) is legally required. You cannot legally live in or use a newly built or significantly renovated property in NSW without a valid OC The OC shows that the construction meets all approved plans, building codes and safety standards, giving you peace of mind When purchasing a new build, your… Read More »What Is an Occupation Certificate (OC) in NSW? A Home Buyer’s Guide

KEY TAKE-OUTS: Superannuation does not automatically form part of your estate and won’t be covered by your Will unless directed through a binding death benefit nomination. A binding nomination ensures your super goes to your intended beneficiary, while a non-binding nomination leaves the decision to your fund. Nominations must be valid, updated regularly, and made… Read More »Why Binding Death Benefit Nominations Are Crucial for Your Superannuation

KEY TAKE-OUTS: A granny flat interest is more than a living arrangement. It is a financial transaction that can affect your entitlement to an Aged Care Pension. Without a formal agreement, money paid for the granny flat could be treated as a gift and trigger Centrelink’s rules against the deprivation of assets. Proper legal advice… Read More »Understanding Granny Flat Interests: Centrelink Compliance and Legal Protection

  KEY TAKEAWAYS: The regulation of Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) and Counter Terrorism Financing (“CTF”) in Australia is currently the subject of reform. The reforms to be introduced will expand the scope of the current regime so that it will extend to cover “tranche 2” designated service providers Notably, these service providers are from professional services… Read More »What is AML & CTF and how does it affect Australia?

KEY TAKE-OUTS: The scheme starts on 1 October 2025 Through the Home Guarantee Scheme, Housing Australia provides a guarantee to the lender, allowing eligible buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit, without needing to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Changes from 1 October include no place limits, no income caps… Read More »Upcoming Changes to the Home Guarantee Scheme

  KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Federal Court imposed a $90 million penalty on Qantas for deliberately outsourcing 1,820 jobs to prevent employees from exercising workplace rights, marking the largest-ever penalty under Australia’s general protections provisions. The Federal Court found senior Qantas executives were directly involved in the unlawful action, which caused significant harm to workers’ dignity… Read More »Federal Court Imposes record $90 Million Penalty on Qantas – What Employers Need to Know