A New Era For the Victorian Building Authority
Victorian Government Overhauls Building Regulations to Protect Homebuyers and Builders The Victorian government has unveiled substantial changes to its building regulation system, introducing a new oversight body, the Building & Plumbing Commission, which will replace the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). This change is aimed at providing stronger protections for homebuyers, builders, and renovators, streamlining the […]
How Can A Contract Be Terminated?
A contract is a very important document that outlines your legal responsibilities under the agreement it governs. However, not always will a contract hold up; issues may arise if circumstances out of your control have an impact on it, or if the other party is in breach of it. If you wish to terminate your […]
What Does Charity Look Like Around the Globe?
Alone, your charity may have limited outreach, but together, our efforts can create a massive global impact. According to the Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index 2024, based on data from Gallup’s World View World Poll, which surveyed 145,702 people across 142 countries in 2023, global trends in generosity show a strong commitment to helping […]
Examining Security of Payments in Nasseri V Wellington
Case note: Nasseri v Wellington Builders Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 200 Featured in the Law Institute Jounal September Edition! Background Facts The plaintiff, Taraneh Nasseri, sought to redevelop her Kew East property into two townhouses for profit. To that end, she partnered with Ms Candice Hammer by way of a Memorandum of Understanding forming a […]
Can I Change the Purpose of my Charitable Trust? Housing Choices v Attorney General
Sometimes, an entity can change the purpose of their charitable trust. Housing Choices Australia Limited v Attorney General for the State of Victoria [2024] VSC 107 (Housing Choices) was a case heard in the Victorian Supreme Court that focussed on this exact scenario. Facts Housing Choices Australia Ltd (HCAL) is the current trustee of the […]
Warlows Legal Wishes You A Meaningful Rosh Hashana
Modernising Construction Law: Essential Security of Payment Changes Ahead
What Did the Government Propose? In November 2023, the Victorian Government released a report titled ‘Employers and Contractors who refuse to pay their subcontractors for completed works,’ aiming to reform Victoria’s construction sector. This report proposes changes to the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (the Act) to streamline processes and […]
What Can My Charity Do To Get Funding?
‘I want to pursue my charity’s mission, but I don’t have the means to do so. Where can I find funding?’ Once registered with the ACNC and the ATO, a charity is poised to pursue its mission and fulfill its purpose. However, many charities find themselves at a standstill due to one crucial factor: funding. […]
Defining Charitable Trusts: Grain Technology Ltd v Rosewood Research Pty Ltd
Grain Technology Australia Ltd v Rosewood Research Pty Ltd (No 3) [2023] NSWSC 238 is a case that revolves around the management and purpose of assets held by certain companies, specifically whether these assets were held on trust for charitable purposes. Background The case arose due to disputes concerning the affairs of three proprietary companies […]
Deris v Hunter: Contractual Breach and Duty of Care
Background In the case of Deris v Hunter (Building and Property) [2023] VCAT 1424 (Deris), the dispute arose from the partial renovation of Ms. Deris’s old, single-fronted, unattached weatherboard house in Brunswick, conducted by Mr. Hunter, a registered builder, between March 2021 and September 2021. The contractual relationship between Ms. Deris and Mr. Hunter ended […]