Q&A

What are the ‘character requirements’ for Australian visas, and why do they matter?

Every person applying for an Australian visa must satisfy the ‘character requirements’. These are designed to ensure that anyone entering or remaining in Australia does not pose a risk to the community. While the threshold may sound straightforward, the assessment can be detailed – and even minor issues can complicate an application. The Department considers […]

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I run a small business.  I have just received a notice from a government department saying I have to attend an interview to answer questions.  Do I have to do so?

Many businesses operate under some sort of oversight from a government regulator, usually through a licensing regime.  The relevant legislation will provide for the means by which the government regulator can conduct investigations.  An important tool in an investigator’s toolkit is the power to issue a notice requiring a person (a licensee, employee or even

I run a small business.  I have just received a notice from a government department saying I have to attend an interview to answer questions.  Do I have to do so? Read More »

What are the lawful limits of development conditions?

Development conditions are the mechanism that make a development acceptable in planning terms. They manage impacts, secure infrastructure, and reassure communities. But conditions are not limitless. If they overreach, they risk being struck down on appeal, leaving councils exposed on costs and undermining confidence in the system. The statutory and judicial tests The Planning Act 2016 continues

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What do planners need to know about the new seller disclosure obligations in the new Property Law Act?

As of 1 August 2025, sellers in Queensland are now required to disclose the zoning of a property before a contract of sale is signed. Disclosure of contaminated land, tree orders, heritage constraints, flooding and protected plants and animals is also now required. This is part of the new seller disclosure regime under the Property Law

What do planners need to know about the new seller disclosure obligations in the new Property Law Act? Read More »

What do I need to know about the new Planning Bill?

The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed Queensland Parliament on 25 June 2025, introducing changes to Queensland’s planning framework.  It introduces a new “community benefit system” designed to frontload social impact considerations, particularly for projects likely to generate cumulative or indirect impacts, such as renewable energy and resource developments. At

What do I need to know about the new Planning Bill? Read More »

What are the top three things you would recommend to a personal injury client? Part two.

speak with an experienced personal injuries solicitor When your future financial security is on the line, it’s worthwhile seeking advice from an expert personal injury solicitor – and experience counts. The various Queensland personal injury compensation schemes provide a mechanism through which individuals who have suffered injuries through no fault of their own can recover

What are the top three things you would recommend to a personal injury client? Part two. Read More »

My kid’s childcare is frequently short of staff, and I know the centre is actively looking for educators. Is there anything they can do to find/retain more skilled educators?

It’s no secret that Australia’s childcare sector is suffering critical skills & workforce shortages, with childcare enrolment rates increasing by 12% over the past five years and noting there’s also a growing demand for specialised educators. Tapping into Australia’s migration programme presents a vital, underutilised solution to access skilled workers. When communicating with your childcare

My kid’s childcare is frequently short of staff, and I know the centre is actively looking for educators. Is there anything they can do to find/retain more skilled educators? Read More »

What guidance does the recent decision of OPD Developers Pty Ltd v Logan City Council [2025] QPEC 8 provide regarding a local government’s ability to impose infrastructure charges?

The Planning and Environment Court of Queensland, on 30 April 2025, delivered the decision of OPD Developers Pty Ltd v Logan City Council [2025] QPEC 8, which reinforced the statutory limits on local government powers to issue infrastructure charges notices (ICNs).  The case turned on whether a council can impose infrastructure charges when the development is made

What guidance does the recent decision of OPD Developers Pty Ltd v Logan City Council [2025] QPEC 8 provide regarding a local government’s ability to impose infrastructure charges? Read More »

What are the top three things you’d recommend to a Personal Injury client?

Making a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can make all the difference. Associate, Roz van der Blom shares three essential tips—from keeping detailed records and seeking prompt medical attention to understanding strict time limits—that can help you protect your rights and maximise your compensation.

What are the top three things you’d recommend to a Personal Injury client? Read More »

I run a small business. I just received a notice from a government department saying I have to hand over a whole list of business records. Do I have to do so?

If you’ve received a notice asking for business records, you might be wondering if you have to comply. In regulated industries;, government authorities often request records to ensure compliance with the law. Partner, Mark Madsen, explains why these requests are made and what you need to know about the records that may be required.

I run a small business. I just received a notice from a government department saying I have to hand over a whole list of business records. Do I have to do so? Read More »

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