21/04/2026 Australian law firms, including Grifin Legal, will be subject to mandatory anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) obligations from 1 July 2026, marking a significant expansion of the country’s financial crime prevention regime. The new laws bring legal practitioners into line with banks and financial institutions that have long operated under similar requirements. …
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As in tenancy situations, disputes can arise about the terms and conditions of an OA, including: the payment of fees, the condition of the premises, house rules, or the occupant’s continuing entitlement to reside in the premises.
On 1 January 2024 the Urban Forest Act 2023 (ACT) (the Act) replaces the Tree Protection Act 2005 (ACT), bringing in a number of legislative changes to support sustainable urban forests in the ACT. An urban forest refers to trees located on land in existing built-up and future urban areas.
The Planning Act 2022 (ACT) (The Planning Act) came into effect on 20 June 2023, and will replace the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT). Provisions with respect to planning strategy, district strategy, technical specifications and transitions have commenced with the remaining provisions to commence in Quarter 4 of 2023. With a goal to deliver …
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Conveyance duty or stamp duty is tax that is payable when you purchase a property in the ACT. Conveyance duty is assessed on the dutiable value of the property and the obligation to pay duty is subject to the type of transaction and the circumstances of each buyer. The Duties Act 1999 (ACT) exempts certain …
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A recent case involving a dispute between a builder and homeowners after they entered into a Masters Builders Association Home Building Contract (Contract) has highlighted some important considerations in respect of dispute resolution processes in building and construction contracts. The Court upheld the validity of a clause in the Contract which allowed disputes between the …
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A new declaration has been released which requires landlords to negotiate in good faith with tenants who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and breached lease provisions as a result. The ACT government is also providing assistance to commercial landlords who have provided rent relief to tenants.
The ACT is following in the footsteps of other Australian states and working toward an electronic conveyancing system. It has been on the horizon for months, with the implementation of gradual measures to make the transition, including identity verifications and the removal of requirements for original signatures on documents. So what could e-Conveyancing mean for …
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Countless Australians are facing financial hardship in the wake of significant coronavirus (COVID-19)-related job loss. Despite the tenant-landlord relationship largely being governed by individual Rental Agreements, the Federal Government have announced some crucial changes to help vulnerable tenants during these tough times. On March 29, the Prime Minister released a statement anticipating the threat of …
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This article explains some key concepts in property – some general and some unique to Canberra. Joint tenants: This is where two or more people own title to land together. If one person dies, the title is automatically passed to the surviving party or parties. The proprietors own 100% of the property together, so all …
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