30 November 2009
Building Fire Safety Regulations - a timely reminder November 2009 Update
In January 2009 a new Queensland Development Code (MP 6.1) came into effect. The Code deals with the maintenance of building fire safety installations and essentially mirrors the obligations under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld).
13 October 2009
Changes to Australia's Foreign Investment Real Estate Policy and Regulations - October 2009 Update
In December 2008, the Federal Government announced changes to its position in relation to foreign investment in the real estate sector. While some of these changes constitute a change in policy, others have been implemented as law, by way of amendment to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Regulations 1989 (the FATA). The changes generally have effect from 18 December 2008. Click to read the full article for a summary of some of the changes, as they affect residential developments.
31 July 2009
Retail Shop Leases and 'Ratchet' Clauses - July 2009 Update
The Queensland Court of Appeal, in its recent decision of Connor Hunter (a firm) v Keencrest Pty Ltd, held that provisions in a particular retail shop lease stating that the rent cannot decrease as a result of a Consumer Price Index (CPI) review or market review, are not invalidated by the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994.
31 July 2009
Land Tax Changes - July 2009 Update
The Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 became law on 22 June 2009, as the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2009 (the ‘Amendment Act’). One of the more topical changes introduced by the Amendment Act is the removal of the provision in the Land Tax Act 1915 that prohibited landlords from recovering their land tax from tenants under commercial leases.
5 May 2009
Queensland Liquor Licensing Reform 2009
The recently enacted Liquor and Other Acts Amendment Act 2008 has made substantial amendments to the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld). These changes include the introduction of annual licence fees and a manager's licence, changes to the types of licences available, and new requirements regarding trading hours and mandatory training requirements.
