On 1 September 2021, the Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia merged to become the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCoA). The media release from the harmonised Court indicates the aim is to establish a consistent national case management system that is efficient, fair, and focuses on the safety of…
Ward Keller has made a submission to the Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Eva Lawler MLA, on the Proposed Declaration to Prohibit Subsea Mining. You can read the full submissions here.
The Hon Alex Hawke MP announced yesterday of upcoming changes to the Working Holiday Maker programs to support tourism and hospitality sectors. The changes will include: From 1 July 2021, Working Holiday Makers who were unable to come to Australia or had to leave early because of COVID-19 will be able to apply for a…
On 22 June 2021, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP announced the inclusion of a further 22 occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). This brings the total now to 41 occupations. The PMSOL is a list of critical occupations necessary for the ongoing recovery of…
Interest on Body Corporate Levies The recent decision of Richard Bruxner, president of the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (“NTCAT”) in MacNaughton v The Proprietors – Unit Plan 91/181 has put a spotlight on whether a Body Corporate can charge a unit holder interest on overdue contributions and levies.[1] The Unit Titles Schemes (Management…
In early 2018, Darwin recorded the highest vacancy rate, at an astonishing 21.6 percent, across all Australian office space markets three years in a row. Commercial landlords cannot afford to get caught out over any mistakes that could have been easily avoided by obtaining legal advice prior to entering into a new lease with a…
Well done to Associate Alecia Howland in delivering a riveting performance at the Palmerston Regional Business Association’s ‘Minute to Win it’! You can watch her excellent work here:
There has been a lot of anxiety over yesterday’s announcement on subclass 457 visas being abolished. We have been closely following the developments and the proposed changes. Here’s a summary of what you should know: Currently hold a subclass 457 visa and planning to apply for permanent residency? Your visa will continue to be in…
The Greater Darwin region is still recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone Marcus. Local residents are now asking who is responsible for the cost of repairs to a dividing fence when the damage has been caused by a fallen tree from a neighbouring property during the storm. The general legal position in the Northern…
Ward Keller has made a submission to the Productivity Commission on Resources Sector Regulation. You can read the full submissions here.
