As published in CK Momentum Issue 9 (Click here to download) Businesses that are thinking about taking on new employees in the New Year should consider some of the key elements of a productive employment relationship. Whilst each situation is different, here are the...
Peer to Peer Lending: A Threat to Traditional Lending or Innovative Competition?
As published in CK Momentum Issue 9 (Click here to download) In this article, we look at Peer to Peer (“P2P”) lending, and explore what it is, its pros and cons and how it is regulated in Australia. WHAT IS IT? P2P lending has been heralded as the “Uber” of finance....
Challenges of the Global Marketplace
As published in CK Momentum Issue 9 (Click here to download) Ecommerce is well and truly here to stay and appears to be gaining momentum. We are continually hearing stories of entrepreneurs and solopreneurs taking on the established juggernauts of industry and winning...
The New Strata Laws – Developers Beware!
The two new Acts affecting strata title development and management have been passed by the New South Wales parliament. The operation of the new legislation is yet to be revealed, however, it is anticipated that it will be 1 July 2016. The changes to termination of...
Payment Risks of International Transactions
For exporters of goods and services, serious consideration must be put into balancing the potential benefits of providing favourable payment terms with the risk of payment default and the costs of international debt recovery. It is beyond the scope of this article to...
Effects of Australia Post Letter Delivery Changes on the Service of Body Corporate Notices
Australia Post has made changes to its letter delivery service, effective from January 2016, which has created two types of standard letter delivery, being “regular” and “priority”. The estimated delivery times for each service are reported to be: PRIORITY POST: 1 to...
Bodies Corporate Potentially Liable for Bullying of Contractors
A recent Fair Work Commission decision demonstrates how far the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) bullying jurisdiction extends, which will have serious ramifications for Bodies Corporate, committee members and individual lot owners. THE FACTS The Applicant was employed by a...
Building & Construction Issues Facing Bodies Corporate
LESSER RIGHTS FOR UNIT OWNERS? With an ever increasing number of people living or working in Strata Developments, it is somewhat daunting that the rights which lot owners have in relation to buildings in community title schemes do not appear to be as protected as...
Drug & Alcohol Testing Under the Building Code 2013
The Building Code 2013 (“Code”) has recently been amended to introduce a mandatory requirement for contractors and building industry participants involved in government funded construction projects to: implement a comprehensive policy on drug and alcohol testing...
Is Your Construction Contract Valid and Enforceable?
If you’re an unlicensed electrician or an unregistered engineer, then maybe not - at least according to a recent decision of Agripower Australia Ltd v Queensland Engineering and Electrical Pty Ltd & Ors (“AgriPower decision”). The Supreme Court determined that an...
Managing Risks through Insurance: 10 Things to Consider
Managing risk is an important part of prudently operating a business. An effective risk management system will enable the business to identify, assess, monitor and manage risks. Some risks can be managed by having in place appropriate insurance, although this is by no...
Update: Increased Protection for Off the Plan Purchasers in NSW
Changes to the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) apply retrospectively from 2 November 2015 We recently informed you of the NSW government’s intention to tighten its grip on property development regulations, specifically in relation to sunset clauses. On 17 November 2015...