Expert Advice

'The statutory regime that governs the realm of corporate insolvency and personal bankruptcy has long been a point of contention between the business community and regulators, a balancing act that each side felt too often erred in favour of the other. The recently published recommended changes to Insolvency Laws, introduced as part of the Commonwealth's National Innovation & Science Agenda,...

'Finding it hard to implement environmentally sustainable practices into your workplace? You're not alone. One of the most challenging barriers to creating a more environmentally sustainable workplace is getting staff to change their behaviour. Changing behaviour requires critical reflection of current behaviours. A quick audit, for example of how staff dispose of waste generated in the office will identify current...

'In certain circumstances, a person may be liable to provide ongoing financial support to their former spouse or de-facto partner following separation. This is called 'spousal maintenance'. How is Spousal Maintenance determined? The Court looks at two main factors when determining an application for spousal maintenance, including: 1. Does the Applicant have a need for financial support? In other words,...

'Small Businesses will soon have the right to request removal of unfair terms within new standard form contracts (from 12 November 2016). This will provide small business with protections afforded to consumers in the Australian Consumer Laws adopted in 2010 (the ACL). New Amendments The new amendments to the ACL provide a clear path to having unfair terms in eligible...

'Looking to invest in Canberra? Like all astute investors you know the next important step is choosing the right agent. Here are my 11 tips for a stress free property investment. 1. Have 2 months mortgage payments in an offset account, just in case there is an unexpected expense; e.g. a tenant is a couple of days late in the...

'It's the start of a New Year, and the time when employers often think about the skills they need to add to their team for the year ahead. If you are thinking of recruiting, remember it's just as important for you to brush up on your interview skills as it is for the jobseekers who will apply to your role....

'In December 2015, star NBA basketball player LeBron James signed a rumoured $500 million lifetime deal with Nike, the world's largest sneaker seller. Paying half a billion dollars to a person in the home stretch of his career for endorsement of your products seems crazy, right? Well no, actually. While time will tell, it is almost certainly a good deal...

'When it comes to money, I rely heavily on the advice of my accountants and financial advisers, even though I consider myself better than average in my understanding of money, finance and investment. I am, however, smart enough to acknowledge this is a complex environment, and hubris is not my ally when it comes to making sound decisions for my...

'I hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year break. New year brings new excitement, new dreams and renewed vision. Digital Strategy can be a primary vehicle to achieve your business vision. Many set goals every year, success however comes to those who act. This article can help you model your digital strategy this year. Step 1: To build...

'We often meet with clients who are surprised to learn that their registered trade mark provides no protection in other countries. Like other forms of IP, trade marks are registered on a per country basis. If wishing to extend protection of your Australian trade mark rights to other countries, do you need to engage lawyers or trade mark attorneys in...

'I started my business in 2009 with little to no capital, and have since gone through a number of roller coaster rides along my entrepreneurial journey. Six years may not be a substantial amount of time for start-up veterans, but it is enough to understand the nature of entrepreneurship. All in all, there have been a fair share of lows...

The Christmas season is fast approaching, so before you take a well earned break to recharge your batteries, make sure you are informed about the recruitment market you will return to in early 2016. Our latest Hays Global Skills Index has been published, highlighting employers' challenge to keep pace with demand for highly-skilled talent.The report, published in collaboration with Oxford...

'The key benefit of a company structure is the separate legal personality that the company has from its controllers (directors) and its owners (shareholders) and the protection given to those individuals if the worst occurs and the business goes bust; but if you think that a director therefore has no liability, you are mistaken. We often hear about instances of...

'You might remember 'Failure to Launch' as a bad romantic comedy film. If you haven't seen the film, all you need to know is it that it is about a thirty-something guy who lives with his parents and relies financially on them. Regardless of the quality of the film, the subject matter is not too remote from the reality of...

Here are just a few of the Speakers and performers facilitated by Peter Funnell for clients as far away as Barcelona. Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller - Director General of MI5, the British internal Security Service, from October 2002 until her retirement on 20 April 2007. Raffaello D'Andrea - Raffaello D'Andrea is a professor and inventor who explores the capabilities of autonomous...

'The ACT Government's renewable energy initiatives are delivering renewable energy to Canberra households at record low prices and creating new commercial opportunities for Territory businesses. As a strong supporter of renewable energy, the ACT Government is committed to positioning Canberra as an export-oriented hub for renewable energy innovation and investment. Through our solar and wind energy auctions, the Territory is...