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Please note that all information in this article is of a general nature and does not constitute legal advice.

Protecting the rights and wellbeing of elderly family members is a concern shared by many, however, and rather unfortunately, instances of exploitation and abuse often arise at the hands of those whom an elderly person trusts most.

In some family law cases, especially where the parties are not married, disputes can arise as to whether a de facto relationship existed.

In Victoria, there is a patchwork quilt of overlapping concessions in relation to duty payable on real estate depending on the date that a contract of sale was signed, whether a property is purchased off the plan (OTP) and if so, whether there is or is not common property on the plan of subdivision and whether the purchaser is a first home buyer or, if not, otherwise a purchaser of a principal place of residence.

Workplace discrimination and harassment are serious legal issues that can have long-lasting impacts on employees’ health, wellbeing, and career prospects. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) decision in Green v State of Queensland, Brooker and Keating [2017] QCAT 008 highlights the importance of protecting employees from unlawful treatment and demonstrates how tribunals approach compensation for sexual harassment and discrimination claims.

Westpac’s rejection of a mother’s WFH request: A cautionary tale for all employers

Australia offers a range of skilled migration options for talented professionals who want to live and work here permanently. Two of the most common are the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190).

The Federal Treasurer, Dr. Jim Chalmers, has announced design changes to the proposed Division 296 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 which was contained in an introduced but unenacted Bill (Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions) Bill 2023).

Aitken Partners is pleased to announce that the highly regarded Migration Law team from Kabo Lawyers will be joining the Melbourne office from Friday, 17 October 2025.

Internal disputes within incorporated associations continue to test the limits of judicial intervention in Queensland. The Supreme Court decision in Singh & Ors v Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) Inc [2022] QSC 151 highlights the Court’s careful approach when asked to resolve conflicts about membership and governance.

On 10 June 2025 some of the most significant changes to family law in decades came into effect with the commencement of the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth). These reforms reshape how the courts, and family lawyers, deal with property, financial and divorce matters and they place a greater focus on family violence, financial abuse and the welfare of children and even pets.

New psychosocial health regulations which will take effect from December 2025 in Victoria are a timely reminder for all employers to get on the front foot and ensure that their workplace policies are up to date and an effective means of preventing, managing and controlling risks associated with psychological hazards in the workplace (including bullying, harassment, violence or exposure to traumatic events).

Long have we surpassed the days where assets the subject of a property division between former partners comprise only ‘physical’ or ‘tangible’ assets.

In 2025, the Supreme Court of Queensland delivered a high-profile decision in Fluor Corporation v Santos Ltd, highlighting the complexities of joint ventures and partnerships in business. This case is a wake-up call for business owners: unclear agreements and mismanaged responsibilities can escalate into expensive legal disputes.

Case Spotlight: Gibbons v Department of Veterans' Affairs [2025] QCAT 145

Case spotlight: A.C.N. 649 487 089 Pty Ltd v Chin Hong Investments Corporation Pty Ltd [2025] QCAT 136

Simpson v Taylors Business Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 835