Introduction On 5 November 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) released Report 823, outlining a regulatory roadmap for Australia’s evolving capital markets. Following an earlier discussion paper on the dynamics between public and private markets, the regulator is…
Introduction A two-year ban on foreign persons purchasing established dwellings, which took effect on 1 April 2025, has significantly altered the landscape for private lenders financing property in Australia. For any lender providing a home loan to a non-resident, this…
Introduction The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has published its first non-bank lending Finance Industry Code of Practice, establishing new standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness for the sector. This new code of practice applies to lenders providing business finance…
Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Federal Budget 2026–27 on 12 May 2026, describing it as the most significant tax reform package in over 25 years. For business owners, investors, and high net worth individuals, several of these reforms carry immediate structural…
Introduction The expansion of renewable energy projects across Queensland presents a significant opportunity for landholders. Developers are increasingly seeking access to rural properties for solar, wind, and battery storage facilities, offering long-term income streams. These agreements are complex and can…
Introduction Changes to property law in Queensland, effective from 1 August 2025, introduced a mandatory seller disclosure scheme under the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) (‘PLA’). This new disclosure regime requires a seller to provide key information to a potential buyer before…
Introduction Joint ventures are a common structure for property development projects, allowing parties to combine land, capital, and expertise. A formal joint venture agreement is critical to protect your interests, and effective joint venture structuring is essential, as the distinction between a…
Introduction Property development in Queensland is directly shaped by the outcomes of planning law disputes. Recent court decisions from the Queensland Planning and Environment Court (QPEC) in 2024 and 2025 provide critical lessons for developers, clarifying how proposals are assessed…
Introduction On 15 December 2025, the Queensland Government introduced a new administrative arrangement for foreign-controlled property developers, replacing the previous discretionary relief process for surcharges on residential land. This reformed tax regime affects the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) under…
Introduction In December 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) released an important update to its guidance on managing conflicts of interest, RG 181. This update clarifies the obligations for every Australian financial services (AFS) licensee under the Corporations Act…
Introduction Since 1 August 2025, property law in Queensland requires a mandatory seller disclosure from anyone selling a home. This scheme, introduced under the Property Law Act 2023 (‘Property Law Act‘), aims to provide a buyer with key information before a contract…
Introduction Australia’s financial sector has undergone a significant reform impacting both payment systems and consumer credit providers. New legislation modernised the regulatory framework, bringing previously unregulated services like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) under the credit licensing rules of the National…
