The journey to homeownership in Victoria, once a predictable path, has become an “impossible” dream for an entire generation of first home buyers1. The stark reality is that for most Victorians, purchasing a first home is now financially unattainable without significant family assistance or extraordinary circumstances2. This crisis is more than just a market...
PropertyVictorian Towns Face Gas Disconnection in 2026: What Property Owners Need to Know About Their Legal Rights
4 August 2025
The energy landscape in Victoria is undergoing a significant transformation, with 10 regional towns set to lose their mains gas supply by the end of 2026. This development affects approximately 1,100 customers across Marong, Terang, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Heathcote, Nathalia, Swan Hill, Maldon, Robinvale, and Kerang, raising important questions about consumer rights and legal protections...
Estate PlanningProbate & WillsI Am the Executor of My Parent’s Estate in Victoria: What Are My First Steps?
4 August 2025
Losing a parent is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and discovering that you’ve been named as the executor of their estate can feel overwhelming during an already emotional time. If you’re facing this responsibility in Victoria, Australia, understanding your role and the specific legal requirements can help you navigate this important duty with confidence....
Introduction: Planning for Profit, Not Pitfalls In Victoria’s dynamic property market, success for developers is increasingly defined by strategic foresight rather than chance. With the state’s planning system undergoing significant updates in 2025, including changes to ResCode and the introduction of new development standards, understanding the legal landscape is more critical than ever. This is...
A Practitioner’s Guide to High-Risk Conveyancing Encounters An Anonymous Perspective from the Legal Trenches Disclaimer: This post reflects the anonymous author’s professional observations and experience. It is intended for educational discussion only. No specific allegations are made against any individual or entity. There comes a moment in many practitioners’ careers when a contract lands on...
CriminalMortgagePropertyWhen Criminal Law Collides with Property Law: Erin Patterson, Legal Fees, and the DPP’s Restraining Order
31 July 2025
The intersection of criminal prosecutions and private property rights often creates legal complexity, particularly where property is both the subject of private contractual dealings and potential criminal forfeiture. The recent case of Erin Patterson—convicted in July 2025 in relation to the tragic mushroom poisoning of three family members—has raised critical legal issues about the priorities...
CriminalPropertyTrustThe Unwavering Line: Why Legal Practitioners Must Never Backdate Documents
30 July 2025
In the legal profession, integrity is the cornerstone upon which justice is built. A lawyer’s duty to the court and to the administration of justice is paramount, demanding unimpeachable honesty. Following our discussion of the fundamental rules a legal practitioner must adhere to, we now turn to a critical and absolute prohibition: the backdating...
In the world of law, where justice is the ultimate pursuit, certain principles are sacred. For any legal practitioner, these are not just guidelines but the very bedrock of their profession. At the very top of this list are three golden rules: never lie to the court, do not mislead the court, and certainly, do...
ConveyancingPropertySelling the Unsellable: How Full Disclosure Unlocked Value in Solomon Heights, Melbourne’s ‘Zombie Subdivision’
28 July 2025
A Century-Old Riddle: The Challenge of Selling “Unsaleable” Land In the complex tapestry of Melbourne’s property market, few areas present a more tangled and seemingly hopeless case than the Solomon Heights Estate in Sunshine North. Described in a recent feature by The Age as Melbourne’s “worst case of urban blight” and a “zombie subdivision,” it...
Mental health challenges facing Australian judges Behind the solemnity of the bench and the authority of the gavel lies a deeply human experience. Judges and magistrates frequently confront harrowing facts, apply complex legal principles, and deliver decisions that shape lives. This responsibility comes at a cost to mental health. NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell has recently...
