Due to the election being called, the Bills which sought to introduce these measures have now lapsed.  These measures will therefore not become law unless the next Government re-introduces the Bills into Parliament.

The genesis of annual leave loading can be traced back to the 1970’s when metal workers won a claim for its inclusion in their award. It was sold on the logic that workers would not get their normal pay, which included shift and weekend penalties, while on annual leave.

Many businesses are aware of the benefits of trade mark registration in Australia, but for those that manufacture or sell goods overseas, consideration must also be given to whether their trade marks are protected in the international market. 

Nick: “You got us a job at Google?” Billy: “Well, not a job job. It’s an interview for an internship that could lead to a job. Nick, this might be the last chance that we’ve got.”

The recently released Hollywood flick, The Internship, portrays a playful spin on life as an intern at Google, with its characters competing for a permanent role at the dreamy tech-giant.  However, the unpaid – learn on the job – internship (better known as ‘work experience’ in Australia) is facing increasing scrutiny from government and has also provoked popular media commentary on the lack of worker rights in these roles.            

The Stronger Super changes to the superannuation system are mainly focussed on large super funds, particularly the “MySuper” and “SuperStream” changes. However, there are a number of Stronger Super changes that directly, or indirectly, affect self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).

On 12 June 2013, the Government released Advancing Australia as a Digital Economy: Update to the National Digital Economy Strategy and announced a review of the regulatory environment for innovative information, communication and technology start-up companies (ICT companies).

Consider the branding that your business or organisation uses and the photographs and images it employs on packaging and products, on its website and in brochures and advertising materials.

Do you own these images or have a licence to use them? A recent Federal Court case highlights how easily the copyright subsisting in such photographs can be overlooked.

Phil Broderick has recently joined Sladen Legal as principal to lead the firm’s superannuation team. Phil previously worked for 8 years at Harwood Andrews, before joining DLA Piper in 2010.

Launching a new brand and identity might seem like a daunting task for many businesses, but for law firm Sladen Legal, it was an exciting step forward. On Monday 20 May, the Melbourne-based firm started operating from a brand new office, with a new name, a new focus and a clear vision for its future.

On 10 May 2013, the High Court of Australia refused the taxpayer special leave to appeal FCT v Greenhatch [2012] FCAFC 84; [2011] AATA 479.

Accordingly, prior to 1 July 2010 and the amendments made by TLAM No 5 2011, differential streaming of capital gains between trust beneficiaries was ineffective. The beneficiaries of any trust that has differently streamed capital gains will have an exposure to audit activity, amended assessments and penalties.

On 3 May 2013, the Supreme Court of Victoria handed down its decision in Lockwood v PSP Investments Pty Ltd [2013] VSC 10 (Lockwood).

This decision considers a critical issue in off the plan developments – what amendments can be made to a proposed plan of subdivision between the time that a contract is entered into and registration of the plan of subdivision, without giving a purchaser a right to terminate their contract?

Earlier this week, the NSW Supreme Court ordered costs against a company who funded an employee’s legal fees associated with opposing an injunction commenced by the employee’s former employer. HRX sought to restrain the employee from working with a competitor; Talent2.