A Turning Point for Building Liability: High Court Clarifies Duties Under the DBP Act (NSW)
Pafburn Pty Limited v The Owners – Strata Plan No 84674 [2024] HCA 49 When construction defects emerge in major residential buildings, responsibility often becomes a tangled web of contractors, subcontractors, developers and consultants. In Pafburn Pty Ltd v Owners – Strata Plan No 84674, the High Court of Australia was asked to decide a […]
Demystifying Conveyancing: A Clear Path to Property Ownership
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial steps most people take in their lifetime. Behind every successful property transaction is a legal process called conveyancing – the mechanism that ensures ownership is transferred correctly, securely and with full legal protection for both buyer and seller. Whether you are purchasing your […]
Navigating Family Law with Care and Confidence
Family law is one of the most personal and emotionally significant areas of the legal system. It touches on our closest relationships, our children, our financial security, and our future. Whether you are experiencing a relationship breakdown, navigating co-parenting arrangements, or planning ahead with financial agreements, having the right guidance is essential. As part of […]
Understanding Visa Cancellations and Appealing ART Decisions
Visa cancellation is one of the most serious actions the Australian Government can take against a non-citizen. It can affect long-term residents, temporary visa holders, or even people who have lived in Australia for most of their lives. A cancellation not only removes a person’s lawful right to remain in the country, it can also […]
When Specific Performance Fails: Grech v Biltar
Grech v Biltar [2025] VSC 636 Overview In Grech v Biltar Pty Ltd [2025] VSC 636, the Victorian Supreme Court was asked to determine whether a clause in a settlement deed – requiring the builder to carry out rectification works of defects – was enough on its own to justify an order for specific performance. […]
What Happens If You Pass Away Without A Will?
Intestacy and Family Provision under Victorian Law Most people assume their assets will automatically go to their partner or children. But under Victorian law, that’s not always the case, and the outcome can be very different from what you would have wanted. Dying without a will (called intestacy) can lead to unexpected consequences: a partner […]
Warlows Legal Principal Appointed to Building Appeals Board
We are proud to share that Harriet Warlow-Shill, Founder and Principal of Warlows Legal, has been appointed to the Building Appeals Board (BAB) in Victoria. This is a significant achievement for Harriet and an exciting milestone for our firm. With her extensive experience in construction law and dispute resolution, she will bring a […]
Finally, a Fairer Security of Payment Regime for Victoria after 18 Years
Major Reform on the Horizon for Victoria’s Construction Industry Victoria’s construction industry is about to undergo one of its most significant overhauls in years. The State Government has introduced the Building Legislation Amendment (Fairer Payments on Jobsites and Other Matters) Bill 2025 (Vic) (Bill) to Parliament – the first stage of long-awaited reforms to the […]
National Construction Code Freeze Sparks Housing Debate
What is the National Construction Code and why the freeze? The federal government has announced a pause on new residential changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) until 2029, aiming to cut red tape and give builders a more stable set of rules to work with. Only urgent safety or quality updates will go ahead […]
Addressing Home Affairs’ Troubling Policy of Blocking Israeli Visas
AJN Article Raises Alarm Over Free Speech And Visa Bans The Australian Jewish News recently published an article raising serious concerns about the way Australia’s immigration policies are being applied to Israeli visitors. The article points to a troubling trend: pro-Israel voices are being shut out of Australia, while extremist voices are allowed in. Over […]