News

Fingerprints and DNA – Know your rights, or lack thereof…
If you are a person of interest to police or have been charged with a crime, chances are that they will want your fingerprints and DNA. Over the past few years, their power to take these from you has increased. Here is what you need to know courtesy of our criminal...
Preparing Documents for Court: The Dangers of Relying on False Material
It should go without saying that court proceedings are serious proceedings and should be treated as such. Every day, individuals rely upon documents in court for a number of reasons. They may rely on documents, such as lawyer letters, to request an adjournment of a...
Dealing with Unpaid Infringement Notices through Fines Victoria
The enforcement of infringements in Victoria is governed under the Infringements Act 2006 (‘the Act’). Fines Victoria is the relevant government agency that deals with infringement notices pursuant to the Act. If you have recently become aware of unpaid infringement...
Suspension of Solar Victoria Retailers from the Solar Homes Program
Workplace related crime and occupational health and safety offences are being dealt with in an increasingly serious manner in recent times. Given the regulatory environments that different occupations operate within, the impact of prosecutions for breaches of...
International Extraditions: A Ready Reckoner
Since a suspect has been arrested overseas in relation to the murder of two women in Easy Street, Collingwood, in 1977 (the ‘Easy Street Murders’), there has been a public interest in international extradition and how that operates in Australia. At Galbally Parker...
Understanding Customs Offences, Defences and the Customs Act Infringement Notice Scheme
Customs Offences can be complicated to wrap your head around. This article will (hopefully) make things easier. Customs Act Offences Customs related offences are those within the Customs Act 1901 (Cth). The main offences under the legislation include smuggling,...
Victoria’s New Non-Fatal Strangulation Laws
In late 2023 the Victorian Parliament introduced the Crimes Amendment (Non-fatal Strangulation) Bill, which is expected to come into effect on 13 October 2024. The purpose of this new legislation, colloquially known as ‘Joy’s Law’, is to address a significant gap...
Key Insights on Working With Children Check Exclusions
Being investigated for, or charged with, a criminal offence can sometimes have unintended consequences. One of those consequences includes the loss of a Working With Children Check. This can have a serious impact on your career or volunteer work, if it involves...
Victoria Firearms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Bill 2024
The Victorian Government has recently passed legislation amending the Firearms Act 1996 and the Control of Weapons Act 1990. The Firearms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Bill 2024 (Vic) primarily seeks to enhance the powers of Victoria Police in issuing...
Unexplained Wealth Restraining Orders under the Confiscation Act 1997 (Vic)
Restraining orders in Victoria are governed under the Confiscation Act 1997 (Vic) (‘the Act’). In this blog, we will help you understand what these orders are and the purposes for which they are made. We will also break down unexplained wealth restraining orders, as...