Monday Briefs

15 June

Your weekly professional update
15 June 2020
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

'Closing the Gap National Agreement' with state and territory governments for consideration

In addition to the much-anticipated further easing of restrictions for large gatherings from next month, another important item to come out of last Friday’s National Cabinet was the announcement that the new “Closing the Gap National Agreement” is now with state and territory governments for consideration before the Joint Council in July.

The Council of Indigenous Peaks, the Federal Cabinet, and states and territories will all be involved in the process, with an aim to have the agreement signed and new targets in place by the end of July. The Law Society supports this new, nationally coordinated approach to work with Indigenous Australians in deciding how policies and targets are developed and delivered. The Law Society also welcomes acknowledgement that the justice targets contained in the national agreement will focus on Indigenous incarceration rates. Continue reading >
 
 
NEWS
Recognise and celebrate outstanding government solicitors
Applications are open for public sector solicitors to apply for the John Hennessy Legal Scholarship (valued up to $10,000) or nominate someone for the Michelle Crowther PSM Excellence in Government Legal Service Award. Learn more.
New food delivery service to help FoodBank NSW & ACT
The Law Society's Dining Room and the 2020 President's Charity is proud to introduce a new meal delivery service to liven up your Friday nights, with new menus added each week. All profits will be directed to FoodBank NSW & ACT to assist families in need. Order before 8am every Tuesday for 5pm Friday delivery.
Golden Gavel 2020 – COVID Edition: Watch the entries
Voting now open – Watch and vote for your favourite videos by 5pm Friday 19 June to help crown the winner of the People’s Choice Award. As always, the overall winner will be selected by the NSW Young Lawyers Patron. The winners of both awards will be announced on Monday 22 June.
The Rainbow Lodge Program appeal
The Rainbow Lodge Program, a not-for-profit organisation conducted by the Board of the Judge Rainbow Memorial Fund Inc., has launched its end-of-financial-year appeal. The program provides transitional housing and a range of community support services for men as they re-enter the community after a period of incarceration. 
More here.
 
 
WHAT'S ON
LAWASIA Human Rights Webinar Series: Business and Human Rights during COVID-19 (including Digital Rights, Contact Tracing and Surveillance)
16 June 2020
Law Society CPD – Developments in aged care and elder law (live webinar)
18 June 2020
NSW Young Lawyers Technology in Government Panel
18 June 2020
Law Society CPD – Family law fundamentals for solicitors
22 and 29 June 2020
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PROCLAMATIONS
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ASSENTS
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PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Latest edition of the Court of Appeal’s Decisions of Interest bulletin
The Decisions of Interest bulletin is a regular publication produced by the Court of Appeal, summarising appellate decisions from Australia and internationally. Read the latest bulletin here.
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Family Court and Federal Circuit Court
The Honourable Justice Alstergren, Chief Justice, Family Court of Australia and Chief Judge, Federal Circuit Court of Australia, has issued an updated protocol on the gradual resumption of face-to-face hearings in the Courts from 15 June 2020. Read more.
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Workers Compensation Commission updated protocols
The Workers Compensation Commission has issued its latest e-bulletin, which includes updated protocols for in-person hearings, effective from 12 June 2020. More here.
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Re-issued Practice Note SC CL 1
The Supreme Court of NSW Practice Note SC CL 1 has been reissued. The revised Practice Note commenced operation on Monday 25 May 2020 and applies to all civil proceedings in the Common Law Division of the Supreme Court of NSW. The revised Practice Note and summary of amendments is available here.
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GST at settlement – end of transitional arrangements 1 July 2020
The GST at settlement transitional arrangements end on 30 June 2020. Contracts entered into before 1 July 2018 for new residential premises or potential residential land may now be subject to the withholding obligations under GST at settlement. Read more.
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Detailed guidance - how do I witness documents during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Implications of the Electronic Witnessing Provisions is a new Law Society publication that provides detailed guidance on the legal and practical aspects of witnessing documents pursuant to the Electronic Transactions Amendment (COVID-19 Witnessing of Documents) Regulation 2020. In NSW a range of legal documents can be witnessed electronically including wills, enduring powers of attorney and enduring guardianship appointments, as well as deeds, agreements, affidavits and statutory declarations. The paper complements the FAQs published on the Law Society website in May, and is available here.
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New NSW Land Registry Services (NSW LRS) Lodgment Office open from Monday 29 June 2020
NSW LRS has announced that the NSW LRS Lodgment Office will relocate from Queens Square to Level 30, 175 Liverpool Street, Sydney on Monday 29 June 2020. For further information please see the NSW LRS Information Sheet.
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Employment law
COVID-19: The Fair Work Commission responds
By Jack de Flamingh and James Connolly >
E-trials
Adjournments and e-trials in the COVID-19 context
By Fiona Dernikovic and Marion Wright >
 
IN THE PRESS
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
Nine big life insurance myths busted
There are some common misconceptions that can stop people from getting the cover they need. Here, we expose some of the biggest life insurance myths. Find out more >
The buyers agent for you
Are you trying to navigate the increasingly complex property maze? Speak to a property professional who will be able to steer you in the right direction. Find out more >
Twenty – the new magic number for F45 classes
F45 can now see 20 new smiling faces in each of their sessions and the health and safety of F45’ers comes first. With social distancing between stations, minimising station hopping, increased sanitising and more, now’s the time to join F45.