Countering Victoria’s Land Tax Grab
Amidst the outcry over the Victorian Government’s recently announced increases in land tax rates, it is more important than ever for landowners to consider potential strategies for containing their land tax cost. Indeed the latest announcement is just a further symptom of the Government over-reliance on land tax, which is also impacting landlords in a […]
ReadmoreThe new General Environmental Duty – What does this mean for directors?
Victoria’s approach to environmental protection and human health is changing soon. Coming into effect from 1 July 2021, the General Environmental Duty (GED) will be the cornerstone of the new Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (Vic) (EPA Act). The new GED will require all Victorian businesses and individuals to take proactive steps to prevent and […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Reminder to Landlords: 2020 land tax relief applications close soon
This article is issued as a timely reminder to Landlords who intend to seek COVID-19 land tax relief for the 2020 land tax year. Applications for relief in New South Wales and Victoria must be lodged prior to 31 March 2021. In this update, we summarise the application process, eligibility criteria and evidentiary requirements for […]
ReadmoreFurther Regulations see the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme extended to 28 March 2021
Just in time for Christmas, the Victorian Government has extended the relevant period under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme from 31 December 2021 until 28 March 2021, the date on which the enabling legislation is also scheduled to expire. The extension occurs via the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Commercial Leases and Licences) Amendment Regulations 2020 […]
ReadmorePasta manufacturer not ‘retail premises’ under the Retail Leases Act 2003
In the recent decision of A. G. & F. Italiano Pty Ltd v Rovigo Pty Ltd[1] the Tribunal considered whether a premises which sells pre-packaged Italian produce predominately via online and telephone sales is a ‘retail premises’ used wholly or predominantly for the sale of goods by retail as defined by the Retail Leases Act […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Update: NSW extends rent relief scheme for impacted lessees
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NSW government has extended the expiry date of the ‘prescribed period’ under retail and commercial tenancy laws to 31 December 2020. The Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation (No 2) 2020 (Updated Regulations) have been introduced in NSW, with the effect of repealing and remaking the […]
ReadmoreAnother win for the Richmond Football Club – The Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal upholds consistency for retail premises leases during the term
In Verraty Pty Ltd v Richmond Football Club Ltd [2020] VSCA 267, the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal confirms that a retail premises lease cannot ‘jump out’ of application of retail legislation during the term. Whether or not the position can change on renewal remains uncertain. The Initial Decision The case finds its origins in […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Commercial tenancy relief measures extended in Victoria
The long awaited COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Commercial Leases and Licences) Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2020 (Vic) were released last night and will take effect from 29 September 2020. Which tenancies will the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS) now apply to? The CTRS applies to ‘eligible leases’. The Amending Regulations have altered the definition of ‘eligible […]
ReadmoreRetail Leases Amendment Act adds more pressure for landlords on top of COVID-19 changes
The Retail Leases Amendment Act 2019 (Vic) (Amendment) was passed by the Victorian Parliament on 15 September 2020. These changes are permanent amendments to the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) (RLA) and are separate to the recent temporary changes made to Victorian legislation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes to the RLA will likely […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Sneakerboy The Sequel: A Practical Application of the NSW COVID-19 Regulation and Leasing Regime
In the second instalment of Sneakerboy, the Court applies various aspects of the NSW COVID-19 leasing regime and addresses the forthcoming repeal of the NSW COVID-19 Regulation, currently scheduled for 24 October 2020. The Sneakerboy Decisions The recent NSW Supreme Court decision of Sneakerboy Retail Pty Ltd trading as Sneakerboy v Georges Properties Pty Ltd […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | The Court Speaks: Terminating leases in the age of COVID-19
On 31 July 2020, the NSW Supreme Court published a decision in the case of Sneakerboy Retail Pty Ltd trading as Sneakerboy v Georges Properties Pty Ltd [2020] NSWSC 996. The decision relates to an application by the tenant for relief against forfeiture, following termination of a retail lease on 25 March 2020. There is […]
ReadmoreWhen rent incurred might be elevated to a priority payment
Ford (Administrator), in the matter of The PAS Group Limited (Administrators Appointed) v Scentre Management Limited [2020] FCA 1023 In a decision made last week in the case of Ford (Administrator), in the matter of The PAS Group Limited (Administrators Appointed) v Scentre Management Limited[1], the Federal Court of Australia determined whether the rent incurred by […]
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