Moores Legal News

Submission on the proposed new regulator of Not for Profits

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:26:00 EST

The Government has called for submissions on the proposed new regulator of Not for Profits. The Moores Legal submission is attached for your reference and interest.

Release of consultation papers

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:09:00 EST

This Not for Profit Briefing discusses the government 's recently released consultation papers on reform agenda and the new draft tax ruling on school building funds.

Statutory definition of charity submission

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:46:00 EST

The government called for submissions on the statuory definition of charity. The Moores Legal submission is attached for your reference and interest.

Commercial and retail lease updates

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:05:00 EST

Our Property and Construction Briefing discusses "permitted use" clauses in commercial and retail leases as well as recent industry panic with the "third floor exemption". Read more...

Redundancy payments - mistakes can be costly

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:52:00 EST

Employers must exercise caution and understand their legal obligations when handling redundancy payments. Read more...

What is a charity?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:09:00 EST

The proposal to introduce a statutory definition of charity is a significant move in legal history. Over 400 years of case law on charities will be replaced by a definition of charity in an Act of Parliament. Read more.

Personal Property Securities News Flash

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:17:00 EST

The "go live" date for the new Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) continues to be uncertain. Read more

NFP Update

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:26:00 EST

Updating you on the ATO's Ruling on "Income Tax and fringe benefits tax: charities", the Government's reform agenda and legislative changes for Victorian associations.

Good Governance for NFP's

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:02:00 EST

Boards of NFPs must take an active interest in the organisation's financial reports if they are to fulfil their obligations under Australian law. Read more

Social Media Marketing for NFP's

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:28:00 EST

Social media has become an important communication and marketing tool, and a tool for social activism. Organisations are often unaware of the legal implications of using social media. Read more

Workplace bullying

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:41:00 EST

This Alert outlines the legal consequences of bullying and steps employers should take in order to prevent and deal with bullying behaviour.

Moores Legal "in Australia" submission

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:29:00 EST

For a copy of our submission to Treasury on the exposure draft legislation: “in Australia” requirements for Income Tax Concessions Click here

Estate Planning Update

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:40:00 EST

This update provides a general summary of how recent and proposed changes in laws or their interpretation might have an impact on a person's estate planning objectives in the coming year.

Not for Profit news

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:41:00 EST

Read more about consultations on public ancillary funds, movements in ATO publications, the Bicycle Victoria case and OHS changes amongst others.

Seasonal Clerkships

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:57:00 EST

Applications for Seasonal Clerkships 2011/12 now open.

Not for Profit news

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:03:00 EST

The Gillard Government has released a draft of legislation for public comment that will have a significant impact across the NFP sector. Read more

Property & Construction Briefing

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:41:00 EST

In this edition of Property & Construction Briefing, we are bringing you updates on retail leases, the GST going concern exemption, stamp duty changes, due diligence on property purchases and more.

Principal Announcements

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:56:00 EST

We are delighted to announce that Cecelia Irvine-So, Libby Klein and Alex McKellar have been appointed as Principals of Moores Legal, and Louise Ricardo has been appointed as Senior Lawyer.

Elder Law News

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:55:00 EST

Discussing recent will disputes and adding clarity to the definition of guardianship. Read more

Not for Profit News

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:55:00 EST

Almost a month after a pivotal Federal Budget, the sector continues to wrestle with its implications...Read more

Personal Property Securities Law. How will the new law affect your business?

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:49:00 EST

Learn more about the PPS reform, the benefits and how it will affect your business at a seminar presented by the Australian Government's Attorney-General's Department and Moores Legal. Read more

Matters of Equality

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:35:00 EST

In this edition of the Employment Alert we look at two topical issues - changes to Equal Opportunity Legislation, and the equal pay test case currently before Fair Work Australia. Read more

Federal Budget 2011

Tue, 10 May 2011 19:11:00 EST

Not for Profits saddled with greater compliance costs and higher taxes. Does the latest Federal Budget measure up? Read more

Merger with construction lawyers Pilley McKellar

Mon, 02 May 2011 04:11:00 EST

Moores Legal has merged with the boutique construction law practice of Pilley McKellar. John Pilley and Alex McKellar are well known within the construction industry. The firm acts for many contractors, construction companies and construction clients. Read more

Contamination and property purchases

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:25:00 EST

Whether you have a role where you have to make property your business or whether you have built your business around property, the issues in our Property Briefing are worth your attention. Read more

Business Briefing - Discovery

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:15:00 EST

The April edition will be of interest to all business owners and employers and covers a range of issues which can affect your business or your employees. Read more

New Look NFP Sector

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:05:00 EST

Moores Legal put forward a submission to Federal Treasury in response to the Consultation Paper released on 21 January 2011. The Paper was seeking feedback on the reform of the NFP sector. You can access our submission along with the other 155 public submissions - read more...

Is the hiring of casual employees a "precarious employment practice"?

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST

Our March edition of Employment Alert reviews what casual employment really means and some of the risks employers face in this area. Read more...

World's Greatest Shave

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 01:29:00 EST

Every March thousands of people shave, colour and wax their hair to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. This year Allan Swan, Principal and Head of our EPSS team, chose to shave off his hair for the cause. Read more...

Victorian Associations - Legislative Changes

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:14:00 EST

Changes to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Vic) ("the Act") mean that committee members of associations will have new duties, and associations with assets of less than $500,000 will not have to be audited. Read more...

Super ownership and TPD - New Tax Ruling

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:13:00 EST

The Tax Office issued a draft Taxation Ruling on 15/12/10. The Ruling sets out the Commissioner's view about in what circumstances the deductibility of premiums for TPD policies will be permitted. Read more...

A Guide for Employers on Christmas Work Functions

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:44:00 EST

Christmas is a time of year when many employers hold work functions and celebrations for their employees. Employers should be aware of the risks involved in these functions and take steps to minimise their exposure to possible claims. Read more...

New Retail Leases Disclosure Statement

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 23:54:00 EST

The introduction of the new Retail Leases Regulations 2010 looks fairly harmless until you realise that a new form of disclosure statement has been introduced. Read more...

Australian Consumer Law commences 1 January 2011

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:10:00 EST

The second batch of amendments to the Trade Practices Act establishing the new Australian Consumer Law (Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Act (No. 2) 2010) will come into force on 1 January 2011. Read more...

Aid/Watch Incorp v Commissioner of Taxation

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:48:00 EST

The December edition of our Not for Profit Briefing details the decision handed down today in the Aid/Watch case together with other articles of interest to the not for profit sector. Read more...

The New Personal Property Securities Law

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:40:00 EST

The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 is expected to come into force in May 2011. It will have a significant impact on a broad range of commercial transactions that involve personal property. Read more...

The New Equal Opportunity Act 2010

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:22:00 EST

In the November Employment Alert, we look at some of the key features of the new Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and the implications for employers. Read more...

Collaborative Law

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:46:00 EST

Stephen Winspear, LIV Family Law Section Chair, and head of the Family Law Group at Moores Legal was interviewed regarding collaborative law, its benefits and its future. Read more...

Harassment in the Workplace is a Men's Issue Too

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST

It's not only women who should be alert to inappropriate behaviour at work, wrote Josh Jennings in the "Careers" section of The Age on 30 October. See Senior Lawyer with Moores Legal, Frances Anderson's comments in the article.

Community Groups Warned About Risky Business

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:48:00 EST

Murray Baird, Chairman of Principals at Moores Legal, told representatives of the community groups at the launch of the Community Index in Richard on 26 October, that groups needed to get risk management "on their agenda". Read more...

Not for Profit News

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:26:00 EST

Our October edition of our "Not for Profit Briefing" considers current issues in the Not for Profit Sector including the new playing field after the election; the Public Benefit Test; what a Charities commission would look like in Australia and more...

Getting to Grips with "Adverse Action"

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:22:00 EST

In our October "Employment Alert", we consider the adverse action provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009. Read more...

What Will Sexual harassment Cost Your Business?

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:31:00 EST

Our September Employment Alert considers the recent increase in sexual harassment claims against employers and suggests effective measures all workplaces should implement to manage corporate risk. Read more...

Latest Discovery Newsletter

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:41:00 EST

If you own or operate a business, the articles in this edition will be of interest. For information on new Consumer Laws; harassment/discrimination in the workplace; securing your financial investment in your business and a financial health check audit for your business read more...

Latest Employment Alert

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:38:00 EST

In our latest Employment Alert, we consider the recent application to Fair Work Australia by the ASU and union groups to increase the rate of pay of employees in the social & community services industry. Read more...

2010 Victorian Seniors Festival

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:19:00 EST

Getting Your Affairs in Order

Our Elder Law team will present a seminar on Monday 4 October for the Victorian Seniors Festival. The seminar will be held at Mt Martha House, Cnr Esplanade & Dominion Rds, Mt Martha. To register, click here...

A Snapshot of Current Fair Work Australia Decisions

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:32:00 EST

In the July edition of our Employment Alert, we take a closer look at some recent decisions of the FWA and the Federal Court, and the potential implications they present for employers. Read more...

July Edition of Elder Law Briefing

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:37:00 EST

The July edition of our Elder Law Briefing is now available. It looks at Advance Care Plans (an innvoative process which contemplates and records a person's health care wishes in advance and a provision claim brought against an estate by a de facto partner. Read more...

New Edition of Wills Precedents Released

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:09:00 EST

The 9th edition of our Will Precedents has been released. Our Will Precedents are Microsoft Word document templates produced, subject to certain conditions of use, as a publication for use by Lawyers with Australian based practices or who have Australian clients. Read more...

Seasonal Clerkship Applications NOW OPEN!

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:25:00 EST

Applications for Summer Clerkships 2010 and Winter Clerkships 2011 are NOW OPEN. Click here to find out more information and how to apply...

Prenuptial Agreements Protect

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:46:00 EST

See the Herald-Sun article featuring Stephen Winspear Family Law department, for a discussion of all the costs of marriage in today's world.

Shareholders - go back to the end of the queue!

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 06:26:00 EST

Shareholders usually miss out in a company liquidation. That all changed when the High Court decided Sons of Gwalia.
Now it's Parliament's turn...and status quo is being reinstated! Read more

Keeping your Not For Profit Tax Status

Tue, 18 May 2010 10:03:00 EST

A joint presentation by Moores Legal and Corney & Lind at the CPA Not For Profit Conference this morning on "Keeping Your Not For Profit Tax Status" can be viewed here...

The Wilderness Society

Thu, 13 May 2010 08:23:00 EST

Murray Baird of Moores Legal comments on a split in the Wilderness Society which has thrown one of Australia's most powerful and wealthy environmental organisations into disarray. Listen to the attached interview at the World Today.

The Henry Report

Mon, 03 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Henry Report was handed down on Sunday 2 May, 2010. Our Not for Profit team has analysed the Report in regard to how it affects the Not for Profit sector. For a time saving guide to Dr Henry's Report please read more...

The New Fair Work Act and Not for Profits

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST

Third Sector Magazine contains an article written by Peter Andrew of our Workplace Relations Group on the new Fair Work Act and how it applies to not for profit organizations. Read article...

Employment Alert March 2010

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:46:00 EST

Workplace Bullying and Employer Liability

Workplace bullying has been exposed as a real problem. Our March edition of Employment Alert looks at this issue and the employer's liability. Read more...

OM International Leadership Meetings

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:24:00 EST

Murray Baird presented at the OM ILM Governance workshop in Bangkok on 23/24 March. For further info see:

Powerpoint slides

Lists of Board responsibilities

Business Briefing - Discovery

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST

Our March edition of Discovery looks at some important changes brought about by Federal and State legislation. Read more

The Wilderness Society in Court

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:24:00 EST

One of Australia's powerful environmental groups is in danger of tearing itself apart. Internal divisions within the Wilderness Society are in court, amidst allegations of management bullying and claims that the AGM was held in secret.

Click here to listen to an ABC interview with Murray Baird

Growing Awareness of Elder Law

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:52:00 EST

Over recent months, there have been a number of references in the print media to aspects of elder law. The frequency of articles on elder law topics confirms the growing awareness of elder law as an area of social significance. Read more

Productivity Commission Report - NFP Sector

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:05:00 EST

The Productivity Commission Report on the NFP sector released on 11/2/10 will be a valuable resource and set the compass for the NFP sector in the next decade. Read more...

Troubled Waters or Plain Sailing

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:36:00 EST

See our January Employment Alert regarding the new transfer of business rules under the Fair Work Act 2009. Read more

New Appointment

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:08:00 EST

Our congratulations to Narelle Mollet, who has been appointed a Senior Lawyer with Moores Legal. Narelle has been with the firm for 15 years, with time out to have a family, and is a member of our Elder Law work group.

Not for Profit Briefing - December 2009

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:51:00 EST

Our December Not for Profit Briefing touches on a large range of legal issues which have affected the Australian NFP sector during 2009 and those that will impact on it in the future. Read more…

A Checklist for your Workplace

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:13:00 EST

2009 has been a tumultous year for workplace relations with many more changes to come next year. Our December edition of Employment Alert offers employers a short checklist of some issues they may wish to consider in preparing for 2010. Read more

Applications for 2011 Traineeships are now open!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:28:00 EST

Moores Legal is committed to the recruitment and development of trainees who we believe form the future of our firm. Applications for 2011 are now open and will close on 8 January 2010.

Click here to find out more...

LIV Council Appointment

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:54:00 EST

Congratulations to Steven Sapountsis, Special Counsel, Moores Legal, who has just been elected to the LIV Council.

The Council is the governing body of Victoria's membership association for over 12,000 lawyers and clebrates its 150 year history this year. Read more...

TAC Insights - Impairment

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:41:00 EST

Our November Injury Briefing highlights the Impairment process. With a potential no fault lump sum entitlement of up to $289,960 we recommend that everyone seeking such benefit is legally represented. The TAC will pay legal costs pursuant to the protocols when a benefit is payable. Read more...

LIV Specialist Accreditation - Family Law

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST

Helen Matthews, Senior Lawyer Family Law Group has received Family Law specialist accreditation. Moores Legal has a total of 12 accredited specialists in various areas of law - business, family, property, commercial tenancy, commercial litigation, wills & estates(Vic) and personal injury.

Not for profit leaders meet with Fitzgerald

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:53:00 EST

The leaders of Australia's not for profits discussed the Productivity Commission's draft report with Robert Fitzgerald at the AuSAE Third Sector Leaders symposium in Melbourne last month. Other speakers included Murray Baird, Principal, Moores Legal. Read more...

New Appointment for Philip Curtis

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST

The Principals of Moores Legal would like to inform clients of and referrers to Moores Legal that Philip Curtis has accepted the position as Executive Director (Vic) of the Not for Profit organisation, Habitat for Humanity (Habitat). Read more...

Fair Work Act

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:13:00 EST

Peter Andrew and Frances Anderson spoke at a Breakfast Seminar organised by Saward Dawson, Chartered Accountants on the Fair Work Act. The presentation covered new employment standards, modern awards, unfair dismissal and other legislative changes. Access the slides here.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:11:00 EST

Helen Matthews, Senior Lawyer, Family Law Group was interviewed on the Matt & Jo Show on Fox FM this morning. Helen spoke about the prevalence and relevance of Pre-Nuptial Agreements. See the second podcast, "The Rise of Prenups", 15 October.

Calls for tenancy reforms following deaths

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:57:00 EST

Tim Adam, Principal of Moores Legal represented family members of Leigh Sinclair and Christopher Giorgi after their deaths in a rooming house fire. The Inquest's findings handed down yesterday were reported in a number of outlets.

Click here to read the article in "The Age" today.

Not for Profit Briefing

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:22:00 EST

In the latest issue of our Not for Profit Briefing, we look at the Judgment in the case of Commissioner of Taxation v Aid/Watch Incorporated 2009 and other current issues affecting the Not for Profit sector.

Click here to read more.

Injury Briefing

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST

This TAC Insight is a General Overview and includes up to date entitlements...

Click here to find out more.

Employment Alert

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

In this issue of Employment Alert, we look at one of the objects of the Fair Work Act 2009... providing for flexible working arrangements.

Click here to find out more.

A caring and sharing problem

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:52:00 EST

Family Law: Changes stressing mediation for feuding couples and giving fathers a fairer custody deal are being reviewed...

Click here to read the article from The Age on 29 August 2009.
Click here to go to our Family Law section

Mediation spares divided couples court pain

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:34:00 EST

LAWS aimed at keeping separating couples out of court by forcing unresolved disputes to mediation...

Click HERE to read the article from The Age on 20 August 2009.
Click HERE to go to our Family Law section on How Best to Resolve Your Case

Adequate legal aid will protect needy

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:23:00 EST

Stephen Winspear, Chairman, Family Law Section, Law Institute of Victoria and head of Moores Legal's Family Law Group has his say in a letter to The Age on 25/07/09.

Click HERE to read the letter.

Employment Alert - August 2009

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:58:00 EST

In this edition of Employment Alert, we review the implications of the new fair dismissal laws on small businesses. Click here to find out more.

Not For Profits & The New Associations Act

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:57:00 EST

The Associations Incorporation Amendment Bill 2008 became law on 7 April 2009. The resulting Associations Incorporation Amendment Act 2009 makes substantial amendments to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. Click here to see the Not for Profit Briefing.

Not for Profit Lawyer - Join the Moores Legal Team

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:18:00 EST

Are you a 3+ year lawyer looking to make a significant contribution to the Not for Profit sector and keen to work with recognized leading professionals in the area. Click here for more!

Employment Alert June 09

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:22:00 EST

In this edition of Employment Alert, we take a closer look at the new 'workplace rights' under the Fair Work Act. We also highlight the key features of the recently announced paid parental leave scheme. Click here to find out more.

New Elder Law Briefing

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:51:00 EST

This Elder Law Briefing contains information about homemade Wills. Click here to find out more.

EPSS Advisor Update

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EST

EPSS Advisor Update is provided to all our advisors ....

Summer Clerkship Program 2009 - Apply Now!

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 21:16:00 EST

Applications are now open for our Summer Clerkship in December 2009. Click here to register your application online. Applications close on 31 March 2009.

Bushfire Victims - Free Legal Advice

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:23:00 EST

As a community minded law firm and one of the largest legal firms in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Moores Legal is offering free legal advice to those who have been directly affected by the fires. Call 1800 806 670. Click here for more.

Employment Alert - Grand Theft Snickers Bar

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:23:00 EST

In this edition of Employment Alert find out more about a recent case dealing with unfair dismissal and the draft modern awards for a number of industries and occupations published by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission on 23 January 2009. Click here for more.