Commercial Law

Weekend and public holiday penalty rates

There has been a lot of news coverage recently in relation to the  Fair Work Commissions decision which effectively cuts Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for workers in the retail, fast food, hospitality and pharmacy industries. We explain how and why this occurred below.

Section 156 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)provides that the Fair Work Commission must conduct a 4 yearly review of Modern Awards.

The Commission’s task in the Review is to decide whether a particular Modern Award achieves the Modern Awards’ objective. If it doesn’t, then it is to be varied such that it only includes terms that are ‘necessary to achieve the Modern Awards’ objective’ (s.138).

As part of the Review, various employer bodies made applications to vary the penalty rates provisions in a number of Modern Awards in the Hospitality and Retail sectors. These applications have been heard together.

On 23 February 2017, a Full Bench of the Commission made a determination in relation to weekend and public holiday penalty rates and some related matters, in Hospitality and Retail awards.

The Modern Awards which are dealt with in this decision are:

  • Fast Food Industry Award 2010 (Fast Food Award)
  • General Retail Industry Award 2010 (Retail Award)
  • Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 (Hospitality Award)
  • Pharmacy Industry Award 2010 (Pharmacy Award)
  • Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2010 (Clubs Award)
  • Restaurant Industry Award 2010 (Restaurant Award

A summary of sum of the changes are set out below.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to any business or employment related issue, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

Fair Work Commission penalty rates

Fair Work Commission public holiday rates

Access the summary of the decision here

in Business / Commercial Law / Employment / General  by 23 Feb 2017 0 comments

What is legal tender in Australia?

As you would expect, Australian banknotes are legal tender throughout Australia.

Similarly, a payment of coins is a legal tender in Australia however, there are restrictions, such as those in the Currency Act 1965, about how much can be paid in coins.

Coins are not legal tender if they exceed:
  • 20c where 1c and/or 2c coins are offered (these coins have been withdrawn from circulation, but are still legal tender);
  • $5 if any combination of 5c, 10c, 20c and/or 50c coins are offered; and
  • 10 times the face value of the coin if $1 or $2 coins are offered.

For example, if someone wants to pay a merchant with 5c coins, they can only pay up to $5 worth of 5c coins and any more than that will not be considered legal tender.

The above is of course subject to any agreement between parties – a provider of goods or services is at liberty to set the commercial terms upon which payment will take place before an agreement for the supply of the goods or services is entered into.

For example, vending machines may not accept small denomination coins or payment may be agreed to be made in foreign currency such as USD.

If you would like any more information in relation to any commercial law or contractual issue, please contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au

Source: Reserve Bank of Australia 
in Business / Commercial Law / Dispute Resolution / General / Online Issues  by 07 Feb 2017 0 comments

Setting up a new business

Before starting a new business, the first thing that you need to consider is the structure of the entity to operate the business.

There are numerous options to choose from, such as:

  • sole trader;
  • partnership;
  • company; and
  • unit trust.

This is when it can pay to get good accounting/taxation, financial planning and legal advice as there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each type.

WHICH STRUCTURE IS THE BEST?

There is no right or wrong answer to this necessarily, although some are preferred more than others.

To determine the most appropriate structure, you need to consider what is most important for you and your family and things such as what assets/business you already have interests in, whether you intend to be in business with others or you’ll go it alone, how you intend to run the business and whether it is a long term plan or whether you intend to quickly build and sell it.

Each option has different qualities, including:

  • simplicity vs complexity,
  • asset protection vs personal liability,
  • income going to one individual vs ability to minimise tax through income splitting,
  • taxation issues on sale such as CGT exemptions; and
  • business succession planning issues.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Once the structure has been determined, and depending on the structure to be adopted, other things that need to be covered off include:

FURTHER INFORMATION

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to starting or buying a business, drafting business documents or any other commercial law matter, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Asset Protection / Business / Commercial Law / Estate Planning / General  by 10 Jan 2017 0 comments

What is a director penalty notice? (and what to do if you receive one)

WHAT IS A DIRECTOR PENALTY NOTICE?

In addition to potential liability for insolvent trading, company directors need to be aware of their potential personal liability if their company fails to remit certain amounts as and when due.

Directors will become personally liable when a company fails to remit amounts withheld under the PAYG withholding system or fails to meet its superannuation guarantee obligations.

This personal liability arises through the issue by the ATO of a Director Penalty Notice (DPN) under s. 222AOE of the Income Tax Assessment Act. If not complied with, a DPN makes the director it was issued to personally liable for the amount that the company should have paid, through imposition of a penalty.

The director’s PAYG withholding credits can also be reduced/taxed as part of the process.

The Commissioner is using the Director Penalty Notice provisions to pursue directors more and more.

The Commissioner of Taxation will usually first make a formal demand on the company seeking payment. If the company fails to comply with the notice, at the Commissioner’s discretion, a DPN may be served.

2 TYPES OF DPN

There are 2 types of DPN:

  1. non-lockdown DPN – issued when statements have been lodged (within 3 months of the due date) but debts are unpaid; and
  2. lockdown DPN – issued where statements have not been lodged (within 3 months of the due date) and debts are unpaid

HOW TO AVOID LIABILITY

A director’s liability under the DPN is remitted if, within the 21 days stated in the DPN, the company either:

  • pays the amounts due to the ATO in full*,
  • is placed into Administration,
  • appoint a small business restructuring practitioner and commence the small business restructuring processor
  • has a Liquidator appointed.

These 4 options are available for non-lockdown DPNs only.

The liability will not be remitted if the company has failed to report its PAYG withholding liability, GST or superannuation guarantee shortfall etc within 3 months of the lodgement day (and the DPN is thus a lockdown DPN). This encourages timely reporting.

Payment in full is therefore the only solution for a lockdown DPN.

Importantly:

  •  The 21 days cannot be extended.
  • Notice is given on the day the DPN is issued, not when it is or is likely to have been received.
  • A DPN is sent via ordinary mail to the last recorded residential address on the ASIC database – so these details need to be kept up to date as actual non-receipt of a DPN is not a defence.
  • The DPN provisions can also apply to new directors where, if after 30 days of their appointment, the company has not discharged its relevant liabilities.
  • A DPN can be served on a director’s registered tax agent.
  • Resigning as a director at or before the due date is no escape from the DPN regime.

* note that entering into a payment arrangement in relation to a debt does not make the debt cease to be due and payable

Defences may be available where recovery proceedings are subsequently instituted against a director following non-compliance with a DPN.

All directors must ensure they stay completely abreast of their company’s affairs and must ensure the company meets all relevant obligations at all times.

This is why having good procedures and good advisors – whether legal, accounting, financial or otherwise – can prove invaluable.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to bankruptcy/insolvency, litigation and dispute resolution or any commercial law matter, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Business / Commercial Law / Dispute Resolution / General / Insolvency & Bankruptcy  by 09 Nov 2016 0 comments

Legal considerations for starting your online business

Online business is booming. Most consumers now favour online shopping given that it is quick, convenient and usually cheaper than in a retail shop.

Consider the legal considerations and responsibilities of running business online, preferably before you start trading.

THE FORMALITIES & NECESSARY REGISTRATIONS

The first thing that needs to be remembered is that even though you do not have a shopfront, you are still operating a business. As such, there are certain legal requirements that you will need to abide by. In particular, you need to think about:

  • The structure of your business – consider asset protection, risk management, taxation issues, income splitting;
  • Registration of your business name and (the all too often overlooked trademarks, social media and URL registration);
  • Obtaining a tax file number, ABN and, if required, registering for GST;
  • Putting in place Terms of Trade, Privacy Policies and the like.
  • Government regulations and any advertising restrictions regarding the products or services that you wish to sell.

Although these considerations may seem daunting at first, it is important that they are given due consideration. Take for instance the choice of business name. Many would consider this the most important decision in the establishment of an online business. When choosing a name, you need to make sure that it does not infringe upon or not too similar to an existing business name or another person’s trademark. Preferably you would do this before spending money on websites, logos and the like!

CONSUMER LAWS

Before embarking into the world of e-commerce, it is important to remember that there have been major legislative changes to the laws regulating business transactions. In particular, you should take note of the Australian Consumer Law which regulates consumer affairs and transactions. Provisions which may be relevant to an online business usually concern the issue of misleading and deceptive conduct, misrepresentation and misdescription of products.

Consider the descriptions that you will be putting up about the products you will be selling and the impact that these may have in the mind of the consumer. If you think that they may create a false assumption, then it is best to re-word them and make it clear exactly what the product or service does.

If you are planning on selling products internationally, then you may also need to take regard of legal requirements of the countries that you are proposing to deliver to.

TERMS OF TRADE

Most online businesses do not sufficiently state the terms of their proposed sale to consumers. The description of the goods is usually there, as is the price and a method of delivery… but that’s about it! What if something goes wrong – what other terms would be useful?

Consider these:

  • Where is the law of the contract?
  • At whose risk are the goods while in transit? Are they insured?
  • What warranties or indemnities (if any) are required?
  • Can the performance of the contract be delegated to a third party?
  • Have you secured supply of key components of your product?
  • Can liability be limited in the contract?
  • What happens if circumstances beyond my control prevent you from fulfilling my contractual obligations?
  • Do you need to protect the intellectual property in any goods sold?
  • How will any disputes be resolved?

Many, if not all, of these matters can be addressed by having appropriately drafted terms of trade. If you haven’t brought all of your terms to the customer’s attention before the contract is entered into, they do not form part of the contract at all.

SECURITY & PRIVACY CONCERNS

On-line systems are at risk of fraud 24/7 and from anywhere in the world. When dealing with sensitive information such as personal contact details and credit card information, it is important that you have appropriate security measures in place. You should aim to:

  • Ensure that all personal details and credit card information is securely stored (and encrypted or not stored at all);
  • Take steps to seek to prevent fraud by using appropriate firewalls and software (as well as third party payment systems);
  • Provide a safe and secure online space.

Remember that by doing these actions, you are not only protecting consumers, but also protecting your and your business.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to estate planning, business succession or any other commercial law matter, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Business / Commercial Law / Dispute Resolution / General  by 01 Nov 2016 0 comments

The importance of proper Terms of Trade for your business

DOES YOUR BUSINESS EVEN HAVE ANY TERMS OF TRADE? IF SO, ARE THEY ADEQUATE (AND UP TO DATE)?

We all sell goods and services, but do we ever really stop and think about what it takes to have a valid contract? There are 4 essentials at law, namely:

  1.  Offer – what is being sold
  2. Consideration – the price
  3. Intention to legal consequences – this is presumed at law
  4. Acceptance – agreement to purchase

Even buying a bottle of water for $1 is entering into a contract. We know what is on offer, we know the cost, we know that once we pay the price, ownership changes hands and it is accepted by paying the price.

Certain things cannot be sold without a written and signed contract in a very specific format that contains certain prescribed documents and words – such as a contract for the sale of land. Most things however don’t need that sort of detailed documentation to form a legally effective and binding contract

Most T&Cs are terribly inadequate. Often they are just copied and pasted from other documents and not tailored, leaving businesses thinking they are adequately protected when they really are not.

Most businesses that have Terms of Trade have terribly inadequate ones and often, the terms don’t form part of the deal at all as they are notified too late – for example where they are printed on the back of a receipt after the deal is concluded. The Terms need to be agreed before the deal is done.

WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR TERMS OF TRADE?

Here is a some of the things that should at least be considered for Terms:

  • Parties names and details – Use proper names (a business name is not a legal entity). Who is the buyer/seller?
  • Quotes/estimates – Is it fixed price or based on hourly rates or quantities?
  • How is the offer accepted – Payment, signature, purchase order, ticking a box to acknowledge the terms and then clicking ‘submit’ for online businesses
  • Exclusivity – Is there any obligation not to deal with or sell to others?
  • Term – Is there a fixed term for the arrangement or is it ongoing?
  • Renewal – How can it be renewed and for what term?
  • Obligations – What other obligations (if any) do the parties have to each other?
  • Title – When does ownership to the goods actually pass?
  • Risk – Who is responsible for the goods whilst in transit?
  • Insurance – Who is to take it out? For what amount? To cover what risks?
  • Payment – How much? When is it due? How is it to be paid?
  • Interest – What is the consequence for paying late? What about liquidated damages?
  • Security – What security (if any) is provided to secure late/non-payment? Charge, Mortgage, PPSR Security Interest? Is a director to guarantee a company’s obligations?
  • Termination – On what basis? On what notice?
  • Notices – How are they given and what period of notice is required?
  • Obligations on termination – Return of goods, payment in full of all amounts due etc
  • Limitation of liability – To what extent is it limited? What liability can’t be excluded?
  • Releases and indemnities – What things may be covered by a release and what events is one party entirely responsible for?
  • Privacy – How is private information to be dealt with? Can you use their details to market other goods to them?
  • Warranties – What promises have been made about the product?
  • Entire agreement – is this agreement intended to cover the field regarding the parties’ dealings? Or are there numerous contracts that operate on other terms?
  • Force majeure – What happens if the parties can’t comply through no fault of their own, like a strike, accident or inclement weather?
  • Dispute resolution – What do the parties need to do to resolve a dispute? Mediate? Get an expert? Can they go to court without doing this?
  • Jurisdiction and governing law – which law applies and which court will hear any dispute? Really important for online trading!
  • Delegation – Can a party delegate their role to a third party? How? Do they need approval?
  • Assignment – Can a party assign the benefit of the contract to someone else?
  • Confidentiality – Are the terms of the deal to be kept secret? Are staff also to be restrained?
  • Intellectual property – Who owns the IP? How is it to be used/returned?

If you buy, hire, sell or on-sell goods or services, whether through a shopfront or on-line (or you have a client that does so), please consider whether they actually even have any Terms and Conditions of Trade or if they do, whether they are adequate.

If they do have T&Cs, it may be that they simply copied and pasted various parts from other documents and websites they had seen. This can often lead to them mistakenly thinking they are adequately protected when they actually are not.

They may need to be updated to reflect recent changes in the law such as the Australian Consumer Law and the Personal Property Securities Act (or if they refer to legislation that doesn’t even exist anymore! (Such as the old Corporations Law and the Trade Practices Act).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to starting or buying a business, drafting business documents or any other commercial law matter, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Business / Commercial Law / Dispute Resolution / General  by 21 Sep 2016 0 comments

Have you just been served?

COURT PAPERS JUST DELIVERED TO YOUR OFFICE?

If you have received a Statement of Claim, Summons, Originating Process or Writ, be aware that you must act very quickly.

Replying to the person, entity or firm that issued the Court/Tribunal papers is not enough. Formal steps to file an Appearance, Defence, Notice of Intention to Defend or Reply must be taken within the relevant time.

The proper form of response varies depending on which court and in which jurisdiction the proceedings have been commenced as they each have different Rules and Regulations that apply.

Generally, a Defendant, Respondent etc will have only 28 days or such other period as may be specified in the document in which to file the appropriate response. Failure to do so in time or at all will leave the recipient open to summary or default judgment (automatic judgment against you without a hearing).

Failure to file and serve the appropriate document in response in time can have dire consequences.

A judgment can affect credit ratings, the ability to seek finance in the future and is a precursor to enforcement actions such as bankruptcy litigation, liquidation and winding up of companies, garnishee orders, writs of possession, visits from the Sheriff, notices for examination etc!

Default judgments can often be set aside, but this comes at a cost and immediately puts you on the back foot. In litigation, it is best to stay ahead of the game and be pro-active.

Most court documents are required to be served personally however, companies can be served by post at their registered office. Documents commencing proceedings for small claims (claims under $10,000) can be served by post by the court.

If a court document is served, steps should be taken to immediately seek advice from (rather than leaving it to the last few days).

McKillop Legal can assist in various ways such as:

  • seeking more details of the claim from the lawyers for the party commencing the claim,
  • filing and serving the appropriate document to prevent default judgment,
  • advising on the claim and its prospects of success,
  • filing any defence document
  • preparing your evidence,
  • attempting to resolve the matter prior to any hearing, and/or
  • if necessary, running the hearing with a barrister.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to litigation and dispute resolution or any commercial law matter, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Business / Commercial Law / Dispute Resolution / Litigation  by 22 Aug 2016 0 comments
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