Legal Updates: DSA Law launches eMagazine, LawSight
Fresh thinking and a focus of energy. This year has already been a big year for DSA Law and we are delighted to launch our first eMagazine, LawSight. The eMagazine is designed for everyday readers, consumers and business owners in mind, with articles to help navigate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our launch of the first issue of LawSight tackles the commonly asked questions during this...
COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Bill 2020 and Commercial Leases
Since Scott Morrison announced and released the Mandatory Code of Conduct on 7 April 2020 with respect to commercial and retail leases, lawyers have been waiting for the State governments to pass the legislation by which it is implemented, and assess how landlords and tenants alike are affected in light of COVID-19. On 23 April 2020, the Victorian Parliament conducted a special sitting in...
Is a parenting plan legally binding?
The short answer is no, a parenting plan is not legally binding in the sense that it is not legally enforceable. However, let’s take a step back and examine what a parenting plan is and how it may differ from a parenting order. First and foremost, a similarity between both is that parenting arrangements should be in the best interests of a child. A parenting arrangement can be in...
What is intellectual property in Australia?
When operating a business, particularly in this digital age, intellectual property (IP) remains a crucial element that should be understood and appreciated. This is because IP is what distinguishes your version of a business from that of your competitors. What is intellectual property? IP is an asset, first and foremost. You can buy it, sell it, build it and destroy it. Unlike the...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Powers of Attorney
Given the increasing prevalence of coronavirus infections in Victoria and the likelihood that more and more of us will need to self-quarantine or self-isolate, now is the time to ensure you’ve got adequate Powers of Attorney in place. Practically speaking, being required to self-quarantine or self-isolate means you may struggle to get those things done which you ordinarily took for...
Mandatory Code of Conduct for Commercial and Retail Leases during the COVID-19 pandemic
On 7 April 2020, the National Cabinet released the Mandatory Code of Conduct (“Code”) for commercial tenancies during the COVID-19 pandemic period. While we are yet to see how the individual State jurisdictions will implement it and some fine tuning is expected, here is DSA Law’s summary of the key points. 1. What is the purpose of the Code? The purpose of the Code is...
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Legal Issues for Businesses in Australia
With the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and recent measures to slow the spread of the outbreak, many businesses have adapted by shifting towards digital technology and innovating new methods to deliver goods and services to Australian consumers. The Federal Government, together with the State Governments, have also introduced concessions and incentives to support local businesses...
Can employers stand down employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused uncertainty, not least when it comes to people’s employment. One of the current issues for employers is, how do they continue to pay employees, whether that may be by way of: normal pay; annual leave; personal leave; or long service leave, in circumstances where the business is not generating sufficient income to meet...
Coronavirus (COVID-19): What are the legal issues for businesses affected?
The onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a profound impact around the world and caused disruption to most facets of daily life. This includes cancellation of public events, unprecedented ‘work from home’ arrangements, restrictions to international travel, prohibitive social distancing and quarantine measures, and closure of public services. Businesses that have relied on...
How does the Coronavirus (COVID-19) affect employees’ leave entitlements?
At the risk of stating the obvious, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a massive impact on the Australian workforce. With each passing day, more and more employees are being directed to work from home so as to help promote social distancing and slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Whilst the current climate is unprecedented, employees are still entitled to take...
DSA expansion takes a rural shift
Dynamic Melbourne law firm DSA Law is set to partner with historic Ballarat firm Nevett Wilkinson Frawley in a strategic alliance that will bridge the gap between the two cities. Four years of expansion and consolidation of their place in the Melbourne legal fraternity has DSA Law knocking on the door of the ‘next step’ in its evolution. Part of that future now includes a strategic...