2018 festivities are behind us, tanned (and sunburnt) workers have returned to the office and the Court term, like the school term, has commenced for another year. This may be a blessing or a curse if you are trying to fulfil your new year’s resolution of pressing ‘go’ in litigation.

’Twas the night before Christmas when an insurer denied liability, stating the insured had not provided sufficient information to support the claim.  Two and a half years and a sleigh ride through the Courts later, the insurer is ordered to pay the claim as well as an unwanted Christmas extra: penalty interest.

That bah humbug outcome could have been avoided if the insurer had taken a single step…

Like it or not, it appears that cryptocurrencies are here to stay. If you haven't already dabbled in crypto (or even if you have) you should be aware that the ATO has you in their sights. If you are planning to purchase cryptocurrencies, you should be aware that there are various taxation consequences associated with the purchase, holding and disposal of these digital assets. Below is a summary of the ATO's current view with regards to capital gains tax and cryptocurrencies.

It could have been the perfect crime: an intentional fire in an empty property to claim landlord insurance. There were no eye witnesses, no victims and no direct evidence either that the landlord consented to the fire or that his friend, Mr Sen, had lit it. If only Mr Sen hadn’t left his mobile phone behind.