The recent Victorian case of Hartman1 demonstrates the potential stamp duty dangers of relying on nominee clauses in transactions involving land (or other dutiable property). The VCAT decision highlights the importance of settling, if possible, on the identity of the ultimate transferee prior to execution of a contract and, above all, the need for developers and other purchasers of land to seek advice before relying on a nominee clause or otherwise seeking to transfer title to a third party. ...

The Australian Government has finalised and released legislation to make major changes to Australia's foreign investment laws – commonly known as the 'FIRB regime' – with effect from 1 January 2021. This Insight summarises the key changes to the FIRB regime. ...

The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a prevention notice requiring a landlord to clean up hundreds of tonnes of hazardous e-waste abandoned by its tenant. ...

In modern times, Australian cities and many around the world have strived to achieve greater urban densification. This is a trend driven by both the prevailing wisdom of the times and by necessity. Suddenly, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised fundamental questions about urban density and its risks. ...

As cities grapple with how to open up following months of COVID-19 forced lockdowns, establishing '20-minute neighbourhoods' or suburban hubs could be an answer. ...