Articles
The purpose and importance of particulars in disciplinary proceedings
The 2023 decision of Lavercombe v Legal Services Commission [2023] QCAT 356 is a reminder of the vital role (and the limits) of particulars in disciplinary proceedings. In this case review we consider the purpose and importance of particulars in disciplinary matters.
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Understanding spent convictions in Queensland
A criminal conviction can have lasting impacts on your life, affecting employment, travel, and personal reputation. However, Queensland law recognises that people can rehabilitate and move on from past mistakes. The concept of a "spent conviction" allows certain convictions to be removed from your formal criminal record after a set period, providing a fresh start for eligible individuals.
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The criminal offence of leaving your child unattended
Parents and guardians often wonder at what age they can responsibly leave their children alone. While the criminal law in Queensland doesn’t assist with what might be regarded as responsible parenting, it does set some limits about when a child can be legally left alone.
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Duty of solicitors and barristers to be courteous in domestic violence proceedings
In this article, we review three cases where the Tribunal found legal practitioners engaged in professional misconduct (or unsatisfactory conduct) or undermined public confidence in the legal profession, resulting in reprimands and fines.
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Stale qualifications when applying for admission into the legal profession
Is your law degree too old? In Queensland, admission into the legal profession is subject to both academic and practical legal training requirements. However, many prospective applicants are unaware of an important eligibility condition: the currency of those qualifications. This concept is known as stale qualifications.
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The criminal offence of “choking, suffocation or strangulation”
The criminal offence of choking was introduced into Queensland law in 2016, following a recommendation of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence. The offence is limited in its application to only apply in respect of domestic relationships.
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Disclosure requirements for applicants for admission to the legal profession in Queensland
This article will explore the key matters that are taken into consideration by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board when considering applicants for admission into the legal profession in Queensland.
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“Right to Disconnect” outside normal business hours
On 26 August 2024, the Australian Federal Government introduced new laws establishing an employee’s “right to disconnect” from work-related communication outside normal business hours.
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Major changes to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime from 2026
From 2026, major reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will come into effect, expanding obligations and enforcement powers.
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Alternative penalty options under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD)
A fine is the most common penalty imposed when sentencing an offender for an offence under the Work Health and Safet Act 2011. There are also several orders available at sentencing, in addition to or other than a fine, that may present as more attractive options to an offender, the prosecution and the court.
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Case review - unrecorded convictions in weapons licensing decisions
In a decision delivered in January 2025 by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), the Tribunal considered the critical issue of whether unrecorded convictions can be taken into account by the decision maker when deciding an application for a weapons license.
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Changes to Queensland’s prostitution legislation from August 2024
Changes to Queensland’s prostitution laws to decriminalise sex work were passed by Parliament on 2 May 2024. Broadly, the changes establish a legal framework decriminalising the sex work industry in Queensland.
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