Expert Advice

Starting a new business is an exciting time. A difficulty which often arises is getting all necessary legal advice, documents and structures in place prior to starting. Even though cash flow can be tight when starting off a new venture, this is an important time to receive professional advice, as it may limit the risk of unintended issues arising after...

As a proud member of the nation's Capital I felt enormous pride on Canberra Day. It was great to see locals soak up the sun and get outside for all the community events in February and March. Although only a handful of community events were targeted at health specifically, the social atmosphere from the Balloon Spectacular, Enlighten and the Canberra...

Statistics tell us that these days people are staying at home for longer; marrying for the first time older and starting families later. As a result, most couples entering into a de facto relationship or a marriage are bringing more to the table than ever before. It is for this reason that couples are increasingly opting to enter into Financial...

With the price for real estate, parents will often assist their children to obtain their first property by advancing money to that child. In happy times, it is of great assistance to the child. However, if that child's marriage fails, then the funds may be lost in the matrimonial settlement. In a recent case in the Family Court, a father...

In late 2013, The Australian Institute of Company Directors released its Directors Social Impact Study which explored governance issues across the not-for-profit sector. The disability sector received specific attention with the major changes occurring in this area. From 1 July 2014, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial will commence in the ACT, and many organisations are gearing up for...

When positioning and preparing your business for sale, whether you are a privately-owned growing business or a listed corporate, there can be many strategic options which need to be considered at any one time including options such as divestments, capital raisings, takeovers, mergers and acquisitions in order to maximise your value. Prior to considering these options it is crucial the...

Whether you call it an MOU (or memorandum of understanding), a Heads of Agreement or something else, form can never be the victor over substance in the world of "Contract". Entering a Heads can give you comfort, but at what risk and with what effect? The answer lies in whether the Heads agreed records a deal that has been done...

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) can be a useful mechanism to facilitate a comforting commitment between two parties to either informally agree, or to agree to negotiate an agreement. While for some this may inspire confidence and assist in speeding up negotiations, for others, in light of the supposedly non-binding legal nature of such agreements, the MOU is nothing more...

Personal Properties Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) which came into force on 31 January 2014 fundamentally changes the way security interests in personal property are regulated across Australia. If your business borrows or lends money; purchases or sells goods on agreement, assignment or credit; grows crops or livestock; owns or leases machinery or vehicles, then this Act affects you. The legislation...

Nearly every small business owner can benefit from using various mobile and web applications to improve productivity, save costs and make life easy for themselves. Try out the following apps to make a difference in your business today. Most of these apps are free to use with limited features, so you can try before you buy. File sharing and storage...

There's little doubt the last six months have been a fascinating and challenging time in the Canberra recruitment market. Whilst conditions in the market have been better, there are still plenty of opportunities if you know how to find them. The hidden job market is very active in Australia and there are many vacant positions that are never advertised. These...

Based on recent trends and commentary, it would appear that the Canberra residential property investment market short to possibly midterm prospects for solid capital growth and 'secure' positive investment return on new purchases are not particularly bright. In my view, even though interest rates are very attractive at the present time and continue to attract buyers, the combination of the...

A few weeks ago I addressed an audience of Canberra business owners on behalf of Google as part of the Australia Post Business Hub eCommerce event; Go Online & Grow Online. The event highlighted opportunities available right here in Canberra, for local businesses to achieve sales objectives online. Following a brief introduction to Google AdWords Search Advertising I responded to...

New changes to the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) come into effect in March this year. These changes may create new obligations for you, especially if your business (including not for profit organisations): * has an annual turnover of more than $3 million * is a health service provider * buys and sells mailing lists * provides services under a...

For many, being an Olympian is merely a dream and getting close to the sporting world stage is another lifetime away. With the Winter Olympic Games showcasing the best athletes in the world, we have no choice but to admire the journey that got them there. When it comes to health we can learn from the best athletes in the...

For separated parents the child support system can be a mine-field to navigate but there are options available to those who wish to move away from the inflexible assessment scheme and enter into a private agreement. From 1 July 2008, separated parents have had the option of entering into two types of child support agreements - binding child support agreements...