07 October

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University Investigations involving Allegations of Misconduct or a Breach of the Student Code of Conduct

Introduction Students who face allegations of misconduct with their educational institutions, are increasingly engaging lawyers to obtain advice in defending those allegations. This article explores the many reasons why students are entrusting lawyers to assist them in these situations. Obviously, a finding of misconduct could have an adverse impact on your ability to complete your degree or certificate since the disciplinary action may include suspension or even expulsion from the University. In the case of expulsion, some credits may not be transferrable or the student may be required to move to a different region to complete there studies at another university. These consequences can...

24 June

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Duty to Prevent Insolvent Trading Under the Corporations Act

Posted by Chris Korbel

in Litigation

Managing cashflow in any business is critical from an operations perspective, but it is also critical from the perspective of a director of a company. There can be serious consequences if a director of company allows (whether deliberately or unknowingly) fails to prevent a company from trading insolvent or from trading in a way that will make the company insolvent. Depending on the circumstances, a breach of this duty could attract criminal or civil penalties. It's Essential to Seek Legal Advice Our firm has lawyers who specialise in civil litigation and criminal law and we pride ourselves on providing high quality services to assist...

24 June

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Duty to Disclose Material Personal Interest Under the Corporations Act

Posted by Chris Korbel

in Litigation

We understand that balancing business and personal matters can be challenging, and sometimes the lines between the two can be blurred, especially for a director of a company. People who you meet through business can easily become friends, or may be considered family and it is easy to forget about your duty as a director to disclose material personal interests. No matter what the circumstances may be, being proactive is usually better than being reactive in the context of director duties, and seeking independent legal advice early can often lead to a more favourable outcome. In any case, if allegations have been raised...

24 June

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Breach of Common Director Duties under the Corporations Act

Posted by Chris Korbel

in Litigation

Introduction Being a director or an officeholder of a company may come with many perks and financial benefits, but it also comes with risks and legal obligations. Certain officers of a company may also have the same obligations as a director of a company. Directors and secretaries have certain obligations imposed on them by the Corporations Act 2001 (‘Act’) and are referred to as ‘director duties’. There are other duties which arise under the common law and other legislation relating to employment, work health and safety, taxation and consumer protection. No matter how the duty arises, it is imperative that a person is...

22 March

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What Does Misconduct in an Official Capacity Mean Under the Public Service Act?

Posted by Chris Korbel

in Litigation, Uncategorised

When a public service employee is the subject of disciplinary action, a very common ground for disciplinary action under the Public Service Act 2008 (Qld) (‘Public Service Act’) is that the chief executive may discipline the employee if they are reasonably satisfied that the employee has been guilty of misconduct. This is often the first ground put forward by a government department or agency, and is usually followed by an alternative ground such as contravening, without reasonable excuse, a provision of the Public Service Act, or a relevant standard of conduct in a way that is sufficiently serious to warrant disciplinary...

22 March

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Public Servants and Corrupt Conduct

Posted by Chris Korbel

in Litigation

Public servants who are the subject of a workplace investigation may face allegations which are within the ambit of the Public Service Act 2008 (Qld). Sometimes, during the course of a workplace investigation, an allegation of corrupt conduct may be raised in which case a referral may be made to the Crime and Corruption Commission. On other occasions, a complaint may be made to the Crime and Corruption Commission in relation to conduct which may constitute corrupt conduct. In any case, allegations of corrupt conduct are ordinarily more complex than what they may appear on the surface. There are serious implications which...

01 February

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New Code of Conduct for Registered Migration Agents coming into effect 1 March 2022

Posted by Jason Papoutsis

in Litigation

By Jason Papoutsis - Litigation Lawyer A new Code of Conduct for registered migration agents has been prescribed by the Migration (Migration Agents Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 (the “new Code”). The new Code takes effect on 1 March 2022. The Department of Home Affairs has recommended that all registered migration agents familiarise themselves with the new code to determine whether their business practices need to be changed to comply with the new Code. Registered migration agents can be disciplined or can have their registrations suspended or cancelled for failing to comply with the Code. Any registered migration agent who is accused of contravening...

01 February

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Confiscations Proceedings in Queensland: How Lawfully Obtained Property can be Seized

Posted by Jason Papoutsis

in Litigation

Written by Jason Papoutsis - Litigation Lawyer The Criminal Proceeds Confiscations Act 2002 (Qld) (“the Act”) was enacted with the main object of removing the financial gain and increasing the financial loss associated with illegal activity. This is achieved by seizing the proceeds of crime. What may come as a surprise to many, is that property can be seized and forfeited to the State of Queensland, regardless of whether or not a person is convicted of an offence because of the alleged illegal activity. In other words, even if the serious criminal allegations against you remain unproven, or if you are found to...

01 February

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Navigating the complexities of workplace investigations involving allegations of criminal conduct

Posted by Jason Papoutsis

in Litigation

Written By Jason Papoutsis - Litigation Lawyer When workplace investigations involve allegations which may amount to criminal conduct, a different legal strategy is almost always required to protect the client’s interests. Employees who face serious allegations of criminality in a workplace environment may be in a position where they risk not only losing their job, but also face criminal sanctions (which may include imprisonment). In these cases, employers will also need to be careful on how they handle the investigation and disciplinary process, since there is often significant overlap between the criminal law and employment law aspects of the matter, which are often...

18 December

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Responding to a Complaint Against a Member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Posted by Chris Korbel

in Litigation

Being the subject of a complaint which is before the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) would no doubt be stressful and daunting. This certainly would be worse if you are going through this process alone. Potts Lawyers regularly assists clients who may (or are) the subject of disciplinary action and our civil and criminal lawyers often work together to protect our client’s interests. We aim to alleviate our client’s stresses by providing strategic, objective, and realistic advice. It is important to seek legal advice as early as possible and take proactive steps to determine your position. This is not...

University Investigations involving Allegations of Misconduct or a Breach of the Student Code of Conduct

Duty to Prevent Insolvent Trading Under the Corporations Act

Duty to Disclose Material Personal Interest Under the Corporations Act

Breach of Common Director Duties under the Corporations Act

What Does Misconduct in an Official Capacity Mean Under the Public Service Act?

Public Servants and Corrupt Conduct

New Code of Conduct for Registered Migration Agents coming into effect 1 March 2022

Confiscations Proceedings in Queensland: How Lawfully Obtained Property can be Seized

Navigating the complexities of workplace investigations involving allegations of criminal conduct

Responding to a Complaint Against a Member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

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