McKays Solicitors in Mackay, Queensland | Lawyer & law firm

McKays Solicitors

Locality: Mackay, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4963 0888

Address: 34 Wood St 4740 Mackay, QLD, Australia

Website: www.mckayslaw.com/mackay

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25.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS | Congratulations to McKays Solicitors - Mackay Associate, Angela Hurley on being named as Mackays Best Lawyer! Angela was one of six lawyers who made the shortlist in the Daily Mercury. Joining her in the top six were McKays Solicitors - Mackays Mark McGrath, Lloyd Stanger and Amilia Stewart. Read the full article below:

25.01.2022 JOBKEEPER SCHEME CHANGES TO THE FAIR WORK ACT - PART 1, OVERVIEW | The JobKeeper legislation and changes to the Fair Work Act have passed and are in effect. This is part 1 of a series for businesses that qualify for the JobKeeper allowance, explaining the changes to the Fair Work Act and how to implement them in your business. https://bit.ly/3claDXJ

25.01.2022 NEW INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER LAWS = 20 YEARS JAIL AND HEFTY FINES... ARE YOU AT RISK? | The Queensland Government passed new legislation, which came into effect on 1 July, 2020, which seeks to impose heavy penalties on companies, their executives and their senior employees personally for workplace deaths arising from negligence (industrial manslaughter). These laws are similar to Industrial Manslaughter laws that already apply to other industries in Queensland (like building and construction), but now apply to workers in the resources sector, and reach much further. The new laws create a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment not just for individuals who hold executive offices of a company, but also... https://bit.ly/2O9Enwy

24.01.2022 ATTENTION SCHOOL LEAVERS | Are you interested in completing a Certificate III in Business? Would you like to start your career in a busy and progressive legal practice? If so, we may have the role for you! https://www.seek.com.au/job/51019411

24.01.2022 RISE IN PAY RATES ANNOUNCED | The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has granted a 1.75% wages increase to minimum pay and award wage workers. The FWC lifted the national minimum wage by $13.00 to... Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/2YNru0m

24.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE | We are continuing to operate from our offices with social distancing and hygiene measures in place as recommended by the Government, for the safety of our clients, staff and visitors. While we have been encouraged by the lifting of some restrictions in recent weeks, we will continue to offer client meetings via phone or video conference, where possible. We ask that you do not visit our office:... - If you are unwell; - If you have been told to self-isolate. If either of the above are applicable to you, please telephone our office on 07 4963 0888 prior to visiting. Visitors to our office will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer on entry and will be asked to maintain a 1.5m distance from others. Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation.

22.01.2022 DRINK DRIVING KNOW THE FACTS | Drinking alcohol reduces your ability to drive safely. Alcohol affects your judgement, vision, coordination and reflexes increasing your risk of having a crash. You can be stopped when operating a motor vehicle and tested by a police officer at any time of the day and night for a random/roadside breath test to see if you have alcohol in your system. If your breath test is positive, you will need to provide another breath specimen for a breathalyser either at the... Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/2XyAsiB

21.01.2022 INTERNET TROLL PAYS THE TOLL | An online conspiracy theorist has found herself liable for damages in the amount of $875,000 after publishing a series of posts and videos on Facebook. It serves as a big reminder that anything you post online can have serious legal ramifications. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3eO7p1m

20.01.2022 PROPOSED NEW LAWS TO AFFECT EMPLOYERS OF CASUAL WORKERS | The Federal Government has announced a new Bill with significant changes to industrial law including changes to casual employment. These changes include a definition of casual employment, criteria for when employers must offer permanent employment and anti-double dipping provisions by which employers can offset loadings paid against future claims for other benefits. In addition, the bill includes a more flexible inte...rpretation of the Better Off Overall Test by the Fair Work Commission, criminal charges for reckless underpayment of workers and enabling provisions where a worker is paid loaded rates. The Bill is subject to debate and it may be some time yet before we know its final form. To keep updated about important developments join our mailing list today by emailing [email protected] See more

20.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS! | We’re delighted to announce that Naomi Schulte has been promoted to the position of Associate with McKays Solicitors! Naomi is a talented commercial lawyer who enjoys assisting clients with commercial advice, business sales and acquisitions, leasing, rural law, estate planning and estate litigation. Naomi also has a passion for helping clients with their intellectual property rights including trademarks and copyright law. Naomi regularly receives praise from clients and her peers on a job well done. Congratulations Naomi, this is well deserved.

19.01.2022 PAYING YOUR EMPLOYEES DURING EASTER | Employers are often confused about how to pay their employees who work during the Easter break and whether an employee can refuse to work during this time. Read our latest blog to find out more... https://bit.ly/3ecD1gt

19.01.2022 BAN ORDER BY GOVERNMENT ON LIVE CATTLE EXPORTS FOUND TO BE INVALID | On 2 June, the Federal Court found that the Commonwealth Government was liable to pay compensation to Brett Cattle Company Pty Ltd and others for the unlawful Ban Order placed on live cattle exports to Indonesia in 2011. Read more here: https://bit.ly/2Y7L1sZ

19.01.2022 60TH ANNIVERSARY GOLF DAY | They didnt defend last years title, but McKays Solicitors - Mackay lawyers Dannielle Sanderson and Matthew Wicks gave it a good shot at the 60th annual Mackay Master Builders Queensland Golf Day on Friday! Thank you to Malcolm Hull and the Master Builders team for putting on another very successful event.

18.01.2022 MCDONALDS FRANCHISEE FINED $82,000 FOR THREATENING WORKERS WITH NO DRINK AND TOILET BREAKS | A McDonald’s franchisee, Tantex Holdings Pty Ltd, has been fined $82,000 in total by the Federal Court of Australia for multiple breaches of the Fair Work Act (the Act) in failing to allow its workers 10-minute water and toilet breaks, and threatening them via Facebook when they complained. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3qrBYPW

17.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS! | Congratulations to our clients, Glen Clark and Jolon Thompson (both long term Mackay residents), on their recent purchase of the Gasworks Pharmacy, Mackay. Angela Hurley and the McKays Solicitors - Mackay Team are thrilled to have had the opportunity to assist Glen and Jolon with the purchase transaction and wish them every success with their new venture. #mackaypride #keepingitlocal https://bit.ly/36QWDCP

16.01.2022 WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM REJECTED | A claim for workers compensation by a worker whose position involved turning his head from one computer screen to another, making notes and dealing with phone calls, has been rejected by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal... Read more here: https://bit.ly/3ePDh45

16.01.2022 TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS DURING COVID-19 | The Australian Government has announced temporary measures to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on Australian businesses. These measures seek to reduce the risk of otherwise viable businesses from being wound up due to short term financial distress and afford protections to directors from potential personal liability in order to encourage continued trade through the COVID-19 crisis. Similar temporary relief measures are also extended to individuals in financial difficulty. The Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Bill 2020 (CERP Legislation) commenced on 24 March, 2020, providing various temporary relief measures for struggling businesses and individuals. Some of the key temporary changes include the following: https://bit.ly/2Xtdqdk

15.01.2022 NEW MOBILE PHONE LAWS COMMENCE 1 FEBRUARY | From 1 February 2020, changes have been made to the penalties applicable for using your phone while driving. The previous penalty for using your phone while driving was a fine of $400 and 3 demerit points. Effective from 1 February, 2020 the fine will increase to $1,000 and 4 demerit points. Double demerit points will apply for mobile phone offences committed within 1 year of a similar offence. This may also lead to the suspension o...f your drivers license due to the accumulation of demerit points. In order to use your phone, your car must be legally parked meaning that your car is stopped with the intention of staying in that place. The following acts can constitute using your phone while driving:- - Touching your phone whilst it is in the phone mounter to change directions on google maps; - Touching your phone to change the song on your Spotify playlist; - Touching your phone to move it; and - Reading, scrolling or writing text messages even when stationary at lights. Ultimately, you can be fined for using your phone for any purpose. Artificial intelligence cameras are soon to be released in Queensland which will be able to detect your movements, even when stationary at traffic lights. If you have any questions about the new laws, please contact our experienced traffic law team on 07 49630888 or [email protected]

15.01.2022 WE'RE HIRING! | Are you an experienced administrator or legal secretary looking for a new challenge? If so, then we might have the perfect role for you. Working alongside a fun and friendly team, you will have the opportunity to utilise your secretarial skills and take on paralegal tasks once trained. For more information and to apply for this role, please click below: https://www.seek.com.au/job/50981894

14.01.2022 IMPORTANT NOTICE | Following the latest announcements for COVID-19, access to our reception area will only be permitted by prior appointment, or by calling our friendly reception team on 4963 0888. We are operating from our offices and have implemented social distancing and hygiene practices recommended by the Government, for the safety of our clients, staff and visitors. Our preference is to conduct meetings via phone or video conference where possible. ... We ask that you do not visit our office: - If you are unwell; - If you have been told to self-isolate; - If you, or someone you have had close contact with, have returned home from overseas or interstate within the last 14 days. Thank you all for your understanding during this time.

14.01.2022 EMPLOYERS AND THE CORONAVIRUS - PREPARE NOW! | It is becoming clearer that coronavirus will have major impacts upon Australian businesses and their employees. In responding to the coronavirus risk all businesses need to understand their rights and responsibilities as employers. - An employee who is away from work and has the coronavirus can apply to take personal leave. - An employee who is away from work and caring for a family member who has the coronavirus can apply for carers leave. - If their personal/carers leave runs out then... https://bit.ly/3aVkRgV

13.01.2022 FIFO AS ESSENTIAL TRAVELLERS FOR QLD COVID-19 BORDER RESTRICTIONS | From Thursday 26 March, 2020 the Queensland government has restricted interstate travel which may affect Central Queensland businesses that have interstate FIFO workers. We outline some of the things you need to know in this article: https://bit.ly/39vLRCm

13.01.2022 THANK YOU! | Misty Di-Filippo, Associate and Nicole Clarke, Conveyancing Paralegal were delighted to receive some lovely gifts this week from clients to say thank you for doing such a great job! Misty assisted these particular clients with a commercial property sale and two commercial property leases, while Nicole assisted them with a residential conveyancing purchase. Misty and Nicole worked together as a team to ensure the multiple transactions settled seamlessly without any hassle or stress for the clients. Congratulations Misty and Nicole, a job well done.

12.01.2022 COURT RULES THAT CHILD SHOULD NOT TRAVEL DURING COVID-19 | Earlier this month the Family Court decided a case where a parent breached a Court Order, by refusing to allow their child to spend time with the other parent because of issues relating to Covid-19. The decision gives us an indication of what circumstances might constitute a reasonable excuse for breaching a Court Order, during the current pandemic. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/2WWiXHj

12.01.2022 HOW TO MINIMISE CHRISTMAS PARTY RISKS | It’s time again to unwind and thank employees at the long-awaited Christmas Party! But at risk of being the Grinch, a Christmas party is still a work function. Employers still owe a duty of care to their employees and employees can still be expected to behave appropriately to each other. Here are some practical steps employers can take to minimise risks and maximise everyone having a good time: https://bit.ly/36w9TOf

12.01.2022 McKays Solicitors - Mackay congratulates the Mackay Regional Council and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (National)s Mackay branch signing an updated Service Charter on 26 February to encourage timely communications between the development & construction industry and the Council and an improved service culture. As UDIA branch president Mark McGrath said: Time is money for all parties and we need to work together to ensure projects are delivered as fast and smoo...th as possible, to help facilitate development & construction i.e. local jobs and affordable housing for our growing regional city. Pictured Craig Doyle (MRC CEO) and Mark McGrath (UDIA Mackay president and Director of McKays Solicitors) signing the new Service Charter. Full details of the Service Charter can be found via the following link: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//0/166208/20200226121946.pdf

11.01.2022 THANK YOU | Thank you Gardian for your generous donation!!

11.01.2022 COVID-19 QLD LAND TAX RELIEF - FURTHER SUPPORT FOR LANDLORDS AND TENANTS | As of 14 April, 2020, the Office of State Revenue has started to process applications for land tax relief. You may be eligible for one or more of the following land tax relief measures: https://bit.ly/2RBnBJa

10.01.2022 WERE HIRING! | We have two fantastic opportunities to join our friendly and supportive team. If youre interested in a new challenge, or know someone who might be suitable, please see below: Legal Secretary / Paralegal - https://bit.ly/3f058yB Administration Assistant (Business Traineeship - https://bit.ly/3hC1KM7

10.01.2022 COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL LEASING - IMPORTANT UPDATE | The Queensland Parliament has finally passed the new Regulations impacting on retail and business leases across Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Retail Shop Leases and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020 (Qld) was passed on 28 May 2020 and commenced on the same day. Read how it may affect you here: https://bit.ly/2U0hnDL

10.01.2022 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS | to McKays Solicitors’ Director, Suzanne Brown, on being shortlisted as one of the five finalists for the Queensland Law Society’s 2020 Most Outstanding Accredited Specialist Award! To become an Accredited Specialist is such an accomplishment (with only about 4% of lawyers in Queensland accredited), but to be named in the Top 5 of the Most Outstanding Specialists really does show Suzanne’s advanced level of expertise in her field. An Accredited Specialist is a lawyer who has successfully completed an advanced, peer-reviewed assessment program, demonstrating their high level of knowledge and skill in their practice area. The winner of the award will be announced in December. Best wishes and good luck Suzanne!

10.01.2022 COVID-19 - NEW GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES | As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Residential Tenancies Practice Guide COVID-19 has been developed by the Queensland Government in their approach of implementing a moratorium on evictions in residential property. For more information click here: https://bit.ly/2VsD6oY

09.01.2022 COVID-19 MODERN AWARD CHANGE FOR CLERKS-PRIVATE SECTOR AWARD | A COVID-19 flexibility schedule has been inserted to the Clerks-Private Sector Award 2010, with changes including... https://bit.ly/3dKdM4Z

09.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS | Congratulations: to Director of McKays Solicitors - Mackay, Suzanne Brown, on her appointment as a director to the Board of Resources Centre of Excellence Limited. The Resources Centre of Excellence will be a world-class facility for all things resources development, with an underground mine simulated training facility, emerging technology capabilities and quality training and conference facilities. It will connect the brightest minds in research, technology..., education and METS to shape the future of the resources sector. Suzanne is one of the Resource Industry Networks appointed directors on the Board (of which she is also a director), and joins fellow directors of RCE, Tony Caruso (Mastermyne), Darryl Sweet (BMA) and Mark Walter (Vayeron). Suzanne is well known as a leading solicitor in the mining industry, and is absolutely passionate about contributing to the success of this major project, which will put Mackay on the world stage.

07.01.2022 DRIVER DISTRACTION | Did you know that as a driver in Queensland you can be fined up to $2,700 if you have a television receiver or visual display unit (not a drivers aid) operating in or on your vehicle? With technology making its way into our daily lives, including the car (think about the iPad you gave your child on that long car ride), its important to remember that there are strict traffic laws in place in Queensland that aim to curb driver distraction. Penalties apply... if you are driving or stationary (but not parked) and:- - you can see any part of the image on that screen from the normal driving position; or - if that receiver or unit is situated anywhere in or on the vehicle and any part of the image on that screen is likely to distract a driver of another vehicle. Visual display units not considered to be drivers aids can include: DVD players; Television receivers; Gaming systems; and In-vehicle traffic cameras. Drivers aids (such as rear view screens and GPS navigational devices) can only be used if the driver is not holding the aid in their hand. For more information please contact our traffic law experts on 07 49630888 or [email protected]

06.01.2022 NEW ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY FORMS - AS OF YESTERDAY! | Attention all important changes to Queensland’s guardianship laws mean that the Queensland Government have issued new Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Health Directive forms with the new forms to be effective from 30 November, 2020. The new forms will replace the existing forms which have been in place for over 16 years and include a number of significant updates. For more information click below: https://bit.ly/33A1wkd

06.01.2022 THE NEW FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS HOMEBUILDER GRANT EXPLAINED | Whilst we are yet to see anything official from the Federal Government as to how to apply, a quick summary of requirements of the new Homebuilder Grant program seem to be: 1. Must be owner occupier it does not apply to investment properties. 2. Must be over 18 years of age and an Australian citizen, and be an individual not a company or a trust. 3. If you are a first home buyer then you can still obtain any ot...her first home grants and concessions this is on top of those. 4. Homeowners can obtain a grant of up to $25,000.00. 5. However they must be spending at least $150,000.00 of their own money on the renovations or on construction of a new home. 6. If it is a new home build the maximum amount spent must be under $750,000.00. 7. If it is a renovation once the house is altered it must be valued at less than $1.5M. The renovation must improve the accessibility, safety and liveability of the dwelling. 8. It does not apply to owner builders you must be using builders to build or renovate the builder you use must be licenced or registered as at 4 June, 2020. 9. The grants are means tested: a. Couples must earn under $200,000.00 a year; b. Individuals must earn less than $125,000.00. 10. It does not include work on pools, tennis courts, sheds etc anything that is not attached to the main dwelling. 11. You must apply for the grant between 4 June, 2020 until 31 December, 2020, and construction must start within 3 months of their build contract. For more information about building issues, please contact the Property team at McKays Solicitors - Mackay.

06.01.2022 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS AND CONTACTS | Dear valued clients, The safety of our clients, contacts and employees is of utmost importance to us. In light of the recommended social distancing measures, we have adopted the following practices to ensure the safety of all:- - We are ensuring that any employees who are unwell, or who have recently returned from overseas, remain away from work and seek medical advice. - We are arranging for client appointments to be hel...d by telephone, where possible. - We will be discouraging handshaking and other direct contact. - We are asking that all visitors to our offices use alcohol based hand sanitiser which will be located at the entrance to our office/reception area. - We are asking that if you are unwell or have returned from overseas in the last 14 days, that you contact us prior to visiting our office on 07 4963 0888 or [email protected] To ensure that we can continue to service our valued clients throughout these uncertain times, our employees have been set up with the ability to work remotely from home if required and will be contactable by email (preferred method) and their usual work telephone number. We will continue to monitor the situation and take advice from the relevant health organisations and may adjust our approach as necessary. We trust that these measures will be appreciated by all and welcome any feedback or questions you may have. With thanks The Directors

05.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS | We are delighted to announce that Molly Elliott has been promoted to the position of Associate with McKays Solicitors - Mackay! Molly is an incredibly talented and driven lawyer who practices in the fields of Criminal and Family Law. Molly began her career with us in 2015 and quickly stood out as someone whose technical abilities were well beyond her years. Recently Molly took 12 months leave from McKays to work as a legal officer for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Solomon Islands. The decision to take on that volunteer opportunity is a testament to Mollys character. Molly is highly sought after by clients, due to her professionalism, skills and dedication. She regularly receives positive feedback on the outcomes she achieves for her clients. Congratulations Molly, this is well deserved!

05.01.2022 COVID-19 MODERN AWARD CHANGE FOR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY | A COVID-19 flexibility schedule has been inserted to the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010, with changes including: - Employers may direct an employee to perform where necessary, any duties within their skills, licences and qualifications and competencies regardless of their classifications. In cases where this results in an employee performing a higher classification, employees will be paid in accordance with the higher duties provisions of the Award. - A full-time employee may be directed to work an average between 22.8 and 38 ordinary hours per week. In such case the employee ... Click to read the full article: https://bit.ly/2JdgmlW

03.01.2022 CHANGES TO THE BLUE CARD SYSTEM.. COMING SOON! | Current and prospective blue card holders need to be aware of major changes to the blue card system in Queensland that take effect from 31st August 2020. The new requirements will affect current and future blue card holders. Anyone intending to work in August or September this year in a regulated position that requires a blue card should take immediate steps to apply for or renew their card if... https://bit.ly/3aiZfvM

03.01.2022 THANK YOU! | Our Commercial Property team were delighted to receive feedback from valued clients this week, who they recently assisted with a large and complex commercial property transaction!

03.01.2022 NEW MANDATORY COMMERCIAL TENANCY CODE - WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU | The PM addressed the nation once again on Tuesday, 7 April, 2020. This time with his focus on Commercial Leases (including Retail, Office and Industrial Leases). The Federal Government has prepared a Code called the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct which comes into effect in all States and Territories as of 3 April, 2020 and will remain in place for such time as the Commonwealth JobKeeper programme remains... https://bit.ly/2y5RHxn

01.01.2022 NUDE LUNCH DONATION | McKays Solicitors - Mackay congratulates the NUDE LUNCH Committee for presenting a donation of $50,000.00 to The Trudy Crowley Foundation recently. As a Director of the Charitable Foundation, Mark McGrath said: This donation is vital to fund the Foundations ongoing costs to employ our fantastic & compassionate specialist nurse Rosie Stannard, who is helping Mackay women with their battle with ovarian cancer. I believe we are the first privately funded charity in Australia to employ our own specialist nurse." We are all looking forward to the next Nude Lunch on 25 September 2020. Pictured Jody Euler, Chairperson of the Nude Lunch committee and her fellow committee members with Mark McGrath, Director of the Trudy Crowley Foundation.