Victoria’s Buyer Protection Reforms: What Changes from 1 July 2026
Recent reviews into Victoria’s building sector found the old system was not doing enough to protect consumers. There was poor oversight of building work, limited and confusing pathways for fixing defects, and domestic building insurance was often difficult to access. After major builder collapses and high-profile industry failures following COVID-19, it became clear that […]
Builders Beware: Victoria’s New Minimum Financial Requirements
The Victorian Government is introducing major reforms to improve confidence in the domestic building industry, and one of the most important changes is the introduction of the Building Amendment (Minimum Financial Requirements) Regulations 2026, which will regulate the new Minimum Financial Requirements (MFRs) for domestic builders. The proposed MFR Regulations, to be made under […]
How Does the ART Work in Immigration Matters?
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) is the principal merits review body for many immigration-related decisions under the Migration Act, subject to statutory exceptions. It replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October 2024 following the introduction of the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (Cth). The ART operates as an independent national tribunal, and can […]
No More Oral Hearings? Upcoming Changes to Temporary Visa Refusal Reviews
Key Changes On 5 February 2026, the Federal Parliament passed reforms amending the Migration Act 1958 and the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024. The reforms are designed to improve efficiency in the ART whilst maintaining procedural fairness, as outlined in the Act’s supporting documents The changes expand the powers of the Administrative Review Tribunal to […]
The Good Character Standard in Australia’s Migration System
When people think about applying for an Australian visa, they usually focus on eligibility, documents, and timelines, however one of the most important factors to be aware of is the character test, as this will form the foundation for whether your visa application will be rejected or not. The character test is a mandatory […]
Understanding IBAC: Victoria’s Anti-Corruption Body
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is Victoria’s primary anti-corruption body, responsible for investigating serious corruption and police misconduct in the public sector. Whilst it is often associated with high-profile investigations, IBAC plays a broader and ongoing role in maintaining integrity, accountability and public confidence in government and regulatory decision-making. For clients interacting with […]
Vorchheimer v Tayeh: Victoria’s Discrimination Laws in Practice
In Vorchheimer v Tayeh [2026] VCAT 134, VCAT looks at where the line sits between political expression and unlawful conduct, and how those competing principles play out in practice. Whilst Australia recognises an implied constitutional freedom of political communication, that protection is not absolute. It operates alongside a statutory framework aimed at preventing discrimination […]
Warlows Expands Into Immigration law
Warlows Legal is thrilled to announce our expansion into immigration law as a new practice area of the firm. This marks an exciting step in the firm’s continued growth, allowing us to support individuals, families and businesses navigating Australia’s complex migration system. Immigration law is often high-stakes and deeply personal, and we are proud to […]
Choosing the Right Forum for Building Disputes: BAB, BPC or VCAT?
Before turning to the minutiae of a case, the first critical question in any building dispute where ADR or dispute resolution is sought is identifying the appropriate forum in which to bring the claim. Different forums exist for different purposes. Some are designed for regulatory review, others for early conciliation, interim payment recovery, or […]
Q&A: Navigating Forum Selection in Victorian Construction Disputes
Introduction Forum selection in Victorian construction disputes has become increasingly complex, with recent appellate decisions reshaping traditional pathways and creating real strategic risk for practitioners. In this Q&A, Harriet Warlow-Shill, founder of Warlows Legal, shares practical insights drawn from her experience advising clients on construction disputes and determining the most appropriate forum. She addresses key […]