Family trust elections (FTEs), and the related interposed entity elections (IEEs), have been a feature of the tax law for almost 30 years with the rules effectively unchanged since 2007.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly useful and ubiquitous tool.  However, for the time being, some things may perhaps be better left for mortals.  The recent decision in In the matter of Lanmar Pty Ltd (No 2) [2026] NSWSC 800 provides a stark example of the dangers associated with an overreliance on AI and the impacts it can have on corporate governance and the ownership of shares in a business.

This article explains where it all went wrong in the case of Lanmar, a defence contractor, and the lessons that ought to be learned from the decision.

Settlement of a proceeding is not always the end of the dispute. The recent decision in Excel Texel Pty Ltd v Wilson (No 2) [2026] FCA 154, has important take aways with respect to matters that should be considered when navigating litigation and dispute resolution.

Returning to Australia after working overseas? Here’s what to consider if you have retirement savings held abroad.

In Part 1 of our two-part series, we explore transferring overseas super or pension benefits into an Australian super fund, including eligibility, tax implications, contribution caps and other key considerations.

Settlement agreements are not always effective to bring the dispute between the parties to an end. That is they do not ‘stick’, despite the efforts of the parties, their advisers, or others associated with formation of terms.

Merchant in a post-Budget world or when High Court anti-avoidance doctrine meets structural trust reform.

In Olsen, in the matter of Babyskin Laser & Cosmetic Clinic Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2026] FCA 622 the Court considered an application to extend the time to convene a second meeting of creditors and analysed the relevant factors to assess. This article breaks down the decision and what the relevant factors are.

In the case of Karlsson v Griffith University (No 2) [2026] FCAFC 102, the Full Federal Court of Australia determined it lacked the jurisdiction to retroactively extend the time for compliance with bankruptcy notices. This decision serves as an important reminder of the need for practitioners to carefully interpret statute to ensure compliance with prescribed deadlines.

In the case of Kim v JM World AU Pty Ltd (in liq) [2026] NSWCA 146, the NSW Court of Appeal upheld the trial judge’s finding against two directors for breach of directors’ duties in relation to, among other things, transfers of company funds to overseas related entities while the company was insolvent. Notably, the Court was split on the liability of one of the directors, who was entirely inactive throughout the entire process, the majority ultimately upholding the trial judge’s ruling against her.

AS Residential Property No. 1 Pty Ltd as trustee for AS Residential Property No, 1 Trust v Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] VCAT 648

Taxpayer successful in overturning a $36.2 million Windfall Gains Tax Assessment by applying the transition rules to show that the Minister had approved the rezoning prior to the 15 May 2021 announcement of the new tax.

The Franchise Disclosure Register is an important component of Australia’s franchising regulatory framework, designed to promote transparency and assist prospective franchisees in making informed decisions

ISPT Pty Ltd as trustee for ISPT Retail Australia Property Trust v Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] VSC 480

A new Victorian Supreme Court case has considered the landholder duty consequences where an acquisition of a 75.8% interest in a public unit trust schemes were initially not subject to duty, but became dutiable when combined with a subsequent 19.46% acquisition.  The first acquisition had caused the funds to cease to be public unit trust schemes.

This case examines the conduct of two directors who made misleading and deceptive future representations about the timeframe and expected profits of an investment project to potential investors and illustrates the standards of evidence and documentation needed to demonstrate a reasonable basis for such representations.

In Greensill Bank AG v Insurance Australia, the Federal Court ruled that a ‘copy’ of a live database, used in the preparation of a privileged report, was itself privileged, irrespective of the privileged status (and existence) of the original version of the database.

In the decision of Allied Pinnacle Pty Ltd v G R Mailman & Associates Pty Ltd, Justice Muston held on proper construction of the terms, while the lease did not require removal of the fit out at the premises, it did require painting of the external premises and fulfilment of the make good obligations specified.

Family trusts, bucket companies, and UPEs are back in the spotlight. Treasury’s consultation paper on a 30% minimum tax for discretionary trusts gives tax advisers a short window to be heard.

Our preliminary thoughts on the Treasury Consultation paper on “minimum tax on discretion trusts’ are below.

What is payroll tax?

• State and Territory based tax.

• Victoria imposes payroll tax on wages over $900,000:

  • 4.85%

  • 1.2125% for regional Victorian employers

  • Threshold phases out between $3 million and $5 million

  • Extra 1% total surcharges for national payroll above $10 million or 2% over $100 million.

• Threshold reduces to reflect Victorian % of total Australian wages.

• Top rate in other Australian jurisdictions include 5.45% in New South Wales and can be up to 7.35% (in ACT).

The ACCC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against Grill’d over alleged misleading and deceptive conduct for statements made in connection with the “Tree Day Tuesday” promotional campaign. Read here for details of what is alleged.

Sladen Legal is proud to announce these well-deserved promotions effective 1 July 2026.

In Tsakmakis v Tsakmakis [2026] VSC 386, the Supreme Court of Victoria rejected a claim for a constructive trust over a residential property, the claimant having failed to establish that his parents promised him that the property would be his, sufficient to give rise to an estoppel by encouragement.