Expert Advice

For some businesses, this headline should be met with the reaction, “Really? Again?”. However, many businesses do not yet realise that the security regime established under the Personal Properties Security Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) is a fundamental part of doing business in Australia. It is apparent to us that many Canberra businesses remain unaware of the system. Unfortunately, we keep...

Buying a home can be so much fun – from checking the listings and visiting properties to imagining your future life and signing the purchase papers – your dreams are coming true and you have good cause to be excited. There are a few necessary steps after house hunting that may not seem as exciting though, and conveyancing is one...

Think you’re sorted if you prepared your own Will using a Will-kit from the newsagency, or one you downloaded from the internet, or one you’ve freestyled and typed up yourself? Think again! If you don’t complete a Will correctly, you may cause more of a burden for your family than if you’d passed away without a Will. Yes, you might...

When taking the first steps into the property market, most people are confronted with a lot of legal jargon and might not even know if they are deemed eligible by lenders to borrow money to purchase a property. This is why local law firm Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers and Goodwin Blain Financial are running a series of First Home Buyer Seminars...

Having to declare bankruptcy is a scary proposition for many. And while no one ever wants to find themselves in a situation where there’s no other alternative, sometimes life’s events simply make it inescapable. Unfortunately, small business owners make up a high percentage of those who end up filing for bankruptcy or personal insolvency in Canberra. Poor cash flow, bad...

Most people adopt a ‘set and forget’ approach to managing their super, but if you’re a Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) or Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS) super fund holder, there are a few changes you need to be aware of. On 1 July 2017, a reduction in contribution limits came into effect along with the introduction of the Total Superannuation...

No landlord wants to find themselves in a position where a tenant who has recently entered into a ten-year lease with an option to renew for five years, becomes insolvent. However, there is always a risk a tenant will become insolvent during the term of a lease. As a landlord, you need to be aware of your rights if this...

If you have just managed to score that coveted dream job, the last thing you're probably thinking about is the technical ins-and-outs of your employment contract. If you can bring yourself down from that elated high for just a minute though, it might be worth scrutinising your 'employee welcome pack' and ensuring everything is above board. If you have some...

Although many of us suffer from the illusion that life goes on forever, most of us are also smart enough to understand the importance of having a Will. It’s that little piece of paper that assures you, and your loved ones, that they will be cared for if/when something were to happen to you. But, many of us also struggle...

The recent amendments to the Marriage Act, that came into effect as of 9 December 2017, may have inadvertently revoked your Will. For couples in the ACT, getting married automatically revokes any Will you have in place before marriage – unless your Will specifically states that it was made in contemplation of marriage. There are similar laws in other states...

Christmas is a time for family, right? Well, it is for most of us. It’s a time to get together over a meal, and a few drinks, and talk about how little Joey and Suzie have grown. According to Michelle Gold, Wills and Estates specialist at Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers, it is also a time to consider some of the more...

Speak with any well-informed insolvency practitioner and, aside from the sweeping law reform being foisted upon the industry, a major issue occupying the minds of many is the tricky task of winding up trust-related enterprises. Why tricky? It all came about as a result of some recent case law that has effectively inverted the commonly-understood regime of dealing with the...

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing network of devices that are embedded with network connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data, and be accessed through the internet. Some examples include vehicles, home automation devices, appliances, and building management systems. IoT is driving automation, however the proliferation of IoT devices also increases the attack surface and risks...

When working capital dries up suppliers operating in the B2B space traditionally resort to debtor finance. It's a viable solution for many, but requires care when choosing a provider. Qualifying for a facility can be hard, fees can be high and lock in contracts can be expensive to break. The recent introduction to Australia of Supply Chain Funding, or supplier...

Recent Federal Government measures have made it easier for start-ups and small businesses to raise capital through Crowd Sourced Equity Funding ("CSEF"). CSEF platforms such as Indigogo and Kickstarter, allow investors to make small financial 'investments' in emerging companies in exchange for equity in the business. Are you eligible for CSEF? From 27 September 2017, unlisted public companies with less...

With end of financial year (EOFY) fast approaching, the Tailored Accounts team is counting down to the last day of the financial year! You may wonder why EOFY often becomes such a hectic time for bookkeepers and accountants. I hope this article can shed light on the inner processes of EOFY preparation. The following list articulates the main examples of...