SCAM ALERT: Beware of fake trade mark infringement notices targeting business owners
A number of our clients have, over the past few months, received alarming emails claiming that another party has initiated a trade mark application for their business name. These emails often create a false sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to respond quickly and take immediate action to protect their brand. Unfortunately, these communications are part of a growing scam designed to exploit business owners' fears about losing their business identity and intellectual property rights.
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Neighbourhood Disputes: What homeowners can take on board from the Boyle Case
Neighbourhood disputes over trees and vegetation can be more complex than they seem, particularly when local council regulations come into play. The recent Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) case of Weerasena v Boyle and Anor [2024] QCAT 327 highlights how competing interests—such as a homeowner’s right to manage overhanging trees versus council-imposed Vegetation Protection Orders—can complicate legal proceedings
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Preparing your business for the year ahead: The recent employment law changes all businesses need to be aware of
We have seen a number of significant employment law changes come into effect over the past few years affecting businesses – and there a lot more to come!
We have set out a brief summary of all of the 2025 changes which businesses need to be aware of moving into the new year.
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Nicole Cullen, Family Lawyer named in Doyles Guide 2025!
Congratulations to our very own Nicole Cullen, Family Lawyer and Director at McKays, for being named in the prestigious national Doyle’s Guide as a Recommended Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer – North & Central Queensland.
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Implied Terms in Off the Plan Contracts
A recent Supreme Court decision Brightman & Ors v Royal Pines Project [2024] QSC 149 shows that Developers owe duties outside of the Contract.
The law of contract includes a general rule of construction that there is an implied obligation on each party to do all that is reasonably necessary to secure performance of the contract
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Separation & Bankruptcy
The property interests of creditors and non-bankrupt spouses often conflict, and although legislative changes have been made to alleviate this tension complications still arise between these competing interests.
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Easement Disputes with New Neighbours: Lessons from the Vision Centre Case
The recent Queensland case of Body Corporate for Vision Centre Gold Coast Community Title Scheme 29190 v Nerang Qld Pty Ltd [2024] QSC 152 highlights the complex nature of easement disputes and the significant impact they can have on property rights and access with your neighbours.
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Changes to workplace laws commence today!
From today (26 August 2024), a number of important changes to workplace laws commence.
These changes include: The right to disconnect for eligible employees...
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The breakdown of marriage... common tax traps
Picture this - your client has finally started to get his life back on track after a nasty property dispute with his former wife. An audit by the ATO uncovers the transactions made pursuant to the Family Court Order trigger significant tax consequences for the client. He was not advised of the p..
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Pet Custody: Who Keeps the Dog in the Divorce?
The Family Law Act 1975 does not permit couples to share custody of a pet after separation. As there is no provision for shared custody under the law, it can only be achieved by informal agreement. Some separated couples arrange this between themselves, but if that is not possible, then the question becomes: who keeps the dog in the divorce?
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Minimum Wage Increases Are Coming!
The Fair Work Commission has handed down its 2024 Annual Wage Review decision. The result of the decision is that…
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How the latest episode of Bluey could serve as a caution for property sellers
The children’s program Bluey has become an international hit that is becoming increasingly popular with both kids and parents alike. A recent episode of Bluey could however serve as an important reminder for people looking at selling their home.
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Closing Loopholes (No. 2) Bill Passes Parliament
The second part of the Closing Loopholes Bill passed parliament yesterday - meaning more significant changes for workplaces are coming!
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New Year's Resolutions for your Business
The start of the New Year is the perfect time to make sure your business is prepared for the year ahead! We have put together our top 5 tips for setting your business up for HR success in the New Year…
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Homelessness support services in Mackay
For those of you who have not heard of Chances Café, Chances Op Shop or Australian Street Aid Project, we strongly encourage you to head over to their Facebook page or website to check out the amazing things they are doing in Mackay.
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Closing Loopholes Bill "Part 1" Passes Parliament After Last Minute Deal
Yesterday we saw some significant developments relating to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 (“Closing Loopholes Bill”).
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Agents - Protect Your Sales Commission!
In the recent Queensland case of Trappando Pty Ltd v Sunshine Group Australia Pty Ltd (2023) the Court of Appeal provided real estate agents with some valuable advice as to the importance of having an adequately prepared Form 6. In the case the client terminated the contract and forfeited the deposit and the agent sought to recover their commission.
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The “silly” season is almost here – Here are our top tips for having a safe Christmas party
The silly season is almost upon us which means that workplaces are starting to prepare for their end of year Christmas parties. While they are intended to be a happy festive event, Christmas parties are also notorious for causing stress for employers due to the risk of potential workplace incidents.
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Massive changes affecting all businesses
Massive changes commence today that will affect all contracts for the supply of goods or services or a grant in land where at least one of the parties:
- Employs fewer than 100 persons; OR
- The party’s turnover in the last year prior to the Contract is less than $10 million.
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Modern Award review
For those who are not aware of what a Modern Award is - A Modern Award is a document which sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment on top of the National Employment Standards (“NES”).
Modern Awards provide entitlements such as pay, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates and overtime. There are more than 100 industry or occupation awards that cover most people who work in Australia.
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