Buying and selling property under an option agreement
Buying and selling real estate via an ‘option deed’ has gained popularity over the past, particularly in a growing property development market. Option deeds may be used for the acquisition of a site for future development and can be drafted to accommodate various circumstances. The flexibility of an option agreement may be ideal for developers […]
Minimising directors’ liability – deeds of indemnity, access and insurance
Company directors have many responsibilities when carrying out their duties. Generally, company directors and officers are not personally liable for a company’s debts. Certain circumstances however can arise where directors may find themselves facing legal or other regulatory action exposing them to personal liability. Generally, the more complex the role, the greater the risk. In […]
What does a public liability claim mean?
A public liability claim is a potential entitlement to compensation for injuries or harm suffered in a range of circumstances due to the negligence of another person or entity. Many public liability claims arise when a person is injured in a ‘public place’, meaning an area or property open to the public (or class of […]
How the PPSR protects purchasers of personal property
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a national, electronic register of security interests in personal property. The PPSR was established on 30 January 2012 with the aim of protecting buyers of personal property where an existing security interest exists in the purchased property and where they were not aware of that interest prior to […]
If an Employer breaches an employment contract can its restrictions be enforced?
Employment contracts often contain restraint of trade clauses seeking to restrict employees from engaging in certain conduct that may adversely affect the business. Although restraint provisions apply during and after the employment relationship, they are most frequently tested once an employee leaves to work for a competitor or to embark on his or her own similar enterprise. […]
Why you should have your domestic building contract reviewed
Whether you are renovating an existing home or building from scratch, most domestic building contracts involve considerable sums of money. In fact, entering a building contract may be one of the most significant financial transactions you undertake. Despite the excitement of getting a new project off the ground, it is important to have your building […]
You said what? About defamation claims
‘He said’, ‘she said’, ‘they said’. Defamation cases can attract a lot of attention in the media, particularly when they involve well-known celebrities like Rebel Wilson or Geoffrey Rush, however, are not exclusive to those with a high profile. The use of social media is a daily ritual for most people, which results in the […]
Wage theft is a crime in Queensland
Failure to pay employees their proper entitlements could leave employers exposed to criminal charges (including jail time) under new laws introduced in Queensland. Criminalisation of ‘wage theft’ The Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Act 2020 (Qld) introduces new provisions to the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) expanding the definition of ‘stealing’ to include a failure to […]
Accessing digital assets – estate planning essentials
The recent death of Gerald Cotton, former Chief Executive Officer of Canadian cryptocurrency exchange company, Quadriga CX, emphasises the importance of planning your electronic after-life. Mr Cotton’s death in India at the age of 30, has not only raised suspicion as to its authenticity (and allegations of an exit scam), but reiterated the chaos that […]
Commercial Leasing and COVID-19 Mandatory Code of Conduct released
At Donnie Harris Law we have been closely following this issue because we know how important it is for many of our clients. The economic impact of COVID-19 on business generally, and commercial leasing arrangements has been profound. On 7 April 2020, the Federal Government released its much-anticipated Mandatory Code of Conduct – SME Commercial […]