Stamp duty in Victoria is becoming increasingly complex, with new SRO approaches, legislative reform, and expanding anti-avoidance focus. This session explores how duty applies in modern transactions and identifies key emerging risks.

This article explores the interaction between deceased estates and Div 7A, highlighting the obligations of executors, ATO views, and practical strategies to mitigate risk.

TR 2026/1 finalised. Holiday homes that double as rentals face a new section 26-50 hurdle. The ATO denies ownership deductions unless the property is mainly rented out, and reserving peak weeks for family use is a red flag. Transitional relief ends 1 July 2026.

A new Victorian case has looked at whether a person has a life interest in a holiday home and the land tax position for holders of life interests.

In the 2026–27 Federal Budget, the Government announced the introduction of a 30 per cent minimum tax on the taxable income of discretionary trusts, to commence from 1 July 2028.

The High Court in Zip Co Limited v Firstmac Limited [2026] HCA 16 recently clarified when you can (and can't) rely on the defence of honest concurrent use for would be infringers of registered trade marks. We discuss what happened in the case, what the court held, and give you practical lessons/tips for your protecting your brand. 

Some early industry discussion on the 2026–27 Budget measure has suggested that the effective tax rate on trust income distributed to a bucket company will rise to around 51 per cent once the minimum tax commences on 1 July 2028.

Given the significant reform occurring in the superannuation space in recent years (e.g. Division, 296, Payday Super), we anticipated a quiet night for SMSFs as the Treasurer handed down the 2026 Budget on 12 May 2026.

In Frizelle and Commissioner of Taxation [2026] ARTA 752, the Administrative Review Tribunal considered whether distributions received by an Australian resident beneficiary from a chain of non-resident discretionary trusts were assessable under section 99B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth).

‍ The Commissioner has not applied for special leave to appeal to the High Court the Full Federal Court decision of Commissioner of Taxation v Morton [2026] FCAFC 31.

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When does a director cross the line? Re Empireal explores the fine line between legitimate crisis management and breach of duty as a director, helping directors and insolvency practitioners understand what it takes to stay on the right side of it.

The 2026-2027 Victorian State Budget contains no new taxes but does increase taxes on motor vehicles.  It also extends the “off-the-plan” concession for a further 6 months for purchases of new-built apartments or units.

The Franchising Code of Conduct imposes an obligation of good faith on parties to a franchise agreement. The scope of this obligation can be particularly uncertain. This article breaks down how the courts have interpreted the requirement and what it means for your business.

The Tribunal highlights why a standalone written loan agreement may be best practice for Division 7A compliance.

This year, ten of Sladen Legal’s lawyers have been recognised in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers® in Australia.

Can a competitor lawfully copy your product design if your IP rights have expired? The recent Federal Court decision in Bodum AG v H.A.G. Import Corpn (Australia) Pty Ltd [2026] FCA 238 analysed this question –  here’s what you need to know.

In E&P Investments Limited v Keybridge Capital Limited [2026] VSCA 5, the Victorian Court of Appeal allowed an appeal overturning a decision to set aside a statutory demand.

The ACCC’s 2026–2029 Strategy (Strategy) reflects the regulator’s growing willingness to connect consumer protection with broader competition and productivity priorities, particularly in response to the mounting cost-of-living pressures and digital disruption impacting the economy.

Sladen Legal is delighted to have been identified in the Doyles Guide 2026 listing of leading Victorian Property & Real Estate Law Firms - Victoria, 2026 as Recommended. This listing details firms practising within the areas of transactional, leasing and development matters in the Victorian legal market who have been identified by clients and peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

From 1 July 2026, new federal anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws will require law firms like ours to complete extra checks before we can provide certain designated services. Read more about our approach.