Our News
Federal Circuit Court: When Did Separation Occur?
The Federal Circuit Court (“FCC”) deals with a variety of family law issues.This article focusses on the situation where the FCC had reason to consider the circumstances of separation, the date of separation and how they both related to property settlement. At time of...
Government To Name & Shame Young Offenders: Is This Really The Best Approach?
Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie announced new laws to be introduced into Parliament as early as next year, allowing child offenders aged 10 to 16 to be given one chance before being named and shamed. David Murray of The Courier-Mail mentions in his article...
Gender Dysphoria: At What Stage Can Parents & Children Consent To Irreversible Processes?
In a short period of time the Family Court of Australia had a number of “special medical procedure” applications to consider.They concerned a condition known as gender dysphoria – where a child is born as one sex but assimilates identities and associates as being of...
Is Religion Or Faith Above The Law In Family Law Proceedings? What Is A Court To Do?
On 27 August 2013, Judge Burchardt sitting in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Melbourne, handed down judgment following an extraordinary situation where a litigant in person refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the court or to answer questions from the...
G20 Safety & Security Bill: Are Rights & Freedoms Being Silenced?
The G20 (Safety and Security) Bill 2013 is before the State Parliament. Josh Bavas from ABC News wrote in his article how anyone deemed a ‘threat’ can be detained without bail for at least the week of the summit. Also contained within the bill are powers for police...
Estate Planning For Blended Families
Estate planning for blended families requires accurate advice and detailed consideration. In our experience estate planning for couples was simplified to the mere preparation of a will. While this is appropriate in many situations, it may not actually guarantee that...
Privacy? Police Tracking Drivers Using Number Plates
Continuing from our earlier criminal law articles, concerning loss of privacy and attempts to strip away judicial responsibilities, is the new disturbing announcement of a trial where Queensland Police will now be tracking drivers through number plate recognition...
Government Stripping Judicial Powers: Removal Of Court Ordered Parole & Suspended Sentences
A topic that has continued to receive considerable attention, both in online commentary and in what our lawyers have been hearing from people raising it at social gatherings, has been the proposal by Government to strip away powers from the Queensland judiciary. For...
Police/Government: Phone Records/Go Cards: What To Do When They Are Used Against You
A critical balance must be struck by government, in the modern democracy, to ensure the right to privacy of its citizens against the ability to protect and preserve their safety. Articles written by Renee Viellaris from The Courier Mail, revealed how police are...