Are you a company director or small-to-medium business owner concerned about the possibility of receiving a Director Penalty Notice (DPN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)? Or have you already received one?
Latest Insight Articles & News
De-Suiting the Law – Podcast Episodes
Family Law,Litigation,Property Law: 02 October 2026
Author: Susan Ilias, Bao Ngo
De-Suiting the Law is a video podcast hosted by Aitken Partners Principal Lawyers Susan Ilias and Bao Ngo. The series sets out to demystify the legal profession, with real conversations about what lawyers actually do, and why it matters.
Health Business Registration in Victoria: Applying, Approval and Review Rights
Litigation: 30 September 2026
Author: Caroline Skeoch, Kaylee Smith
Thinking about registering premises under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic) (the Act)? The process involves more than simply lodging an application.
Federal Court Clarifies Proof of Debt Requirements in Liquidation Appeals
Litigation: 02 September 2026
Author: Sam Merrylees, Joel Parsons
The Federal Court of Australia has delivered important guidance on proof of debt claims liquidation, confirming that properly maintained accounting records may provide powerful evidence of the existence of a debt.
Building Without a Safety Net: Quantum Meruit Cannot Rescue a Defaulting Builder
Property Law,Litigation: 18 August 2026
Author: Caroline Skeoch, Kaylee Smith
When a building project unravels, it is often assumed that a builder can simply fall back on a quantum meruit claim and recover the value of the work performed. (The Latin term quantum meruit means "as much as is deserved" or "what the work is worth). For many years, this was viewed as a practical safety net where contractual rights had become uncertain or unavailable. Recent Victorian authorities, however, demonstrate that this assumption can be dangerous.
No Sniff of Confusion: BROWN NOSE DAY Remains Registered
Litigation: 13 August 2026
Author: Sam Merrylees, Kara Inglese
In a decision that will be welcomed by trade mark owners, the Full Federal Court has reaffirmed the limited circumstances in which the Registrar of Trade Marks can revoke a registered trade mark, finding that BROWN NOSE DAY should remain registered.
CGU v Blakeley: High Court Expands Rights to Join Insurers in Insolvency Proceedings
Litigation: 30 July 2026
Author: Joel Parsons
The High Court’s landmark decision in CGU Insurance v Blakeley [2016] HCA 2 makes it easier for people like liquidators and bankruptcy trustees to claim insurance money when companies or individuals go broke.
How to deal with a local council where you have been issued with a Building Notice or Order
Litigation: 29 July 2026
Author: Caroline Skeoch, Kaylee Smith
If you are a property owner that is building an extension, conducting renovations or compliance work, there is a chance that you may receive a notice or order from you local council or private building surveyor.
Federal Court Approves Fast-Tracked Business Sale in Voluntary Administration Without Public Marketing
Litigation,Insolvency: 28 July 2026
Author: Mike Chenoweth, Sam Merrylees
For insolvency practitioners navigating distressed business sales, balancing speed, value preservation and procedural fairness is rarely straightforward. This decision highlights the factors the Court will consider when assessing whether a tailored sale process is capable of delivering the best outcome for creditors.
Insolvent trading and the limits of safe harbour: what directors should take from Star Recruitment Service Pty Ltd v Smith
Litigation,Insolvency: 20 July 2026
Author: Erin Prout
Australian safe harbour laws can help protect directors from personal liability for insolvent trading while they pursue genuine restructuring efforts, but the protection is limited and subject to strict conditions.
Act First, Sue Later: Preserving Assets Before Proceedings
Litigation: 15 July 2026
Author: Sam Merrylees
Liquidators are often faced with the challenge of protecting assets before recovery proceedings can be commenced.
Directors’ duties and the use of AI – Court case example
Litigation: 10 July 2026
Author: Oren Polichtuk
Key takeaways from Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Bekier (Liability Judgment) [2026] FCA 196 (Bekier)
Received an ASIC s 19 Notice? What You Need to Do Next
Litigation: 29 June 2026
Author: Caroline Skeoch, Joel Parsons
Facing an ASIC s 19 notice? Learn what to expect, your legal obligations and how to approach the examination process.
Jurisdiction Ping Pong: The Queensland Supreme Court or the Federal Court
Litigation: 22 June 2026
Author: Erin Prout, Joel Parsons
Commencing a Legal proceeding is not as straightforward as simply ‘going to Court’. Determining what jurisdiction can involve complex legal analysis and in some cases become a contested issue.
Understanding Subpoenas: Avoiding Fishing Expeditions in Legal Proceedings
Litigation: 16 June 2026
Author: Joel Parsons
Subpoenas are a powerful tool in litigation but if used improperly, they can be challenged as “fishing expeditions” and set aside by the court. Understanding their proper use is critical to ensuring your requests serve a legitimate forensic purpose.
Podcast Launch - De-Suiting the Law
Family Law,Business Law,Litigation,Migration: 09 April 2026
Author: Susan Ilias, Bao Ngo
De-Suiting the Law is a video podcast hosted by Aitken Partners Principal Lawyers Susan Ilias and Bao Ngo. The series sets out to demystify the legal profession, with real conversations about what lawyers actually do, and why it matters.
Guarantees and Indemnities: A Legal Guide for Australian Business Owners
Litigation: 25 March 2026
Author: Caroline Skeoch, Kara Inglese
Before agreeing to a new contract or credit arrangement, it’s worth knowing which terms could put your personal or business assets on the line.
Debt Recovery: Protecting Your Business and Enforcing Your Rights in Queensland
Litigation: 28 November 2025
Author: Erin Prout
Unpaid debts can pose a serious risk to businesses of all sizes. Recovering what is rightfully owed is not just a financial issue, it is essential to maintaining cash flow, protecting your business relationships, and ensuring operational stability.
Case spotlight: Singh & Ors v Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) Inc [2022] QSC 151
Litigation: 16 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.
Director Responsibilities in Court Proceedings
Litigation: 17 September 2025
Simpson v Taylors Business Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 835
| Next | - | Previous |
Design by: Cabria Design. Site by: Flux Creative