Zouki Lawyers in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Lawyer & law firm

Zouki Lawyers

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9088 9130

Address: Level 3, 90 William street 3000 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.zoukilawyers.com.au

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25.01.2022 Parliament of Victoria

25.01.2022 https://youtu.be/ZhiNBdiDFMk Australia’s annual Investment Statement Australia’s Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham delivered his annual Investment Statement today, affirming the importance of productive foreign direct investment to Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. He also recognised the contribution of three foreign investors to Australia’s economy and community.

25.01.2022 Is your business affected by the stage four COVID-19 lockdown. Has your business been affected by the claiming failures in the hotel quarantine system led to the draconian restrictions which have brought businesses to a standstill. Is your business pubs, gyms, retail, sporting facilities and professional services and have been poleaxed by the second lockdown. Are you looking for a path to compensation for losses that are beyond your control and not brought about by you?... If so, then contact Zouki Lawyers immediately for assistance.

24.01.2022 Welcome to 2021. 2020 was certainly a challenging year. Zouki Lawyers look forward to continuing to assist all of our clients. Below is information regarding: 1) the extension to the JobKeeper initiative; and 2) COVID information for employers relating to return to work. JobKeeper 2021 update... The first extension period for JobKeeper has finished. A new cycle of payments is now in effect (4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021). This means that new eligibility thresholds apply to JobKeeper participants. The main determinant for the new calculation is the 'turnover test.' In order to qualify, most employers will need to show show that they have experienced at least a 30% reduction in GST turnover for the December 2020 quarter. Please also note that the new extension period involves a reduction in the amount of fortnightly payments (click here for further information). Additional information for employers (COVID-19) I refer you to the following hyperlink: click here. This page collects up to date COVID-19 signs and notices that can be displayed throughout your business. If you haven't already done so, I recommend implementing the Victorian Government QR Code Service (click here for more information). Lastly, information about sector specific workplace COVID-19 measures (eg. onsite personnel quotas) is available here.

24.01.2022 JobKeeper extension: ATO answers your questions Can JobKeeper be backdated, if you didn’t qualify in March, but doing EOFY you realise you qualified in May, but it’s now July, can you receive payments for MayJune? The JobKeeper scheme will remain open to new participants, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant period. You will need to contact us to declare for previous JobKeeper fortnights.... To be entitled to a JobKeeper payment for an eligible employee for a fortnight, an employer must pay amounts totalling at least the $1,500 for the fortnight to or in respect of the eligible employee (the wage condition). How will we notify the ATO hours worked per employee or eligible business participant to ensure the correct tiered payment is received? Between 1 and 14 November 2020, you will need to complete a monthly business declaration and tell us the payment tier being claimed for each eligible employee. You can complete this through ATO online services or your registered tax or BAS agent can do it for you. We have JobKeeper guides with step-by-step instructions available at ato.gov.au/jobkeeperguides. If you don’t think you qualify for September quarter but will qualify for December quarter based on projections, how do you apply? If you are eligible, you can apply for JobKeeper at any time until the program closes. You will need to check and submit your business’s actual decline in turnover information for each JobKeeper extension period to demonstrate eligibility.

22.01.2022 A mother is clothed with strength and dignity, laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs On behalf of Zouki Lawyers, we wish all a very happy Mothers Day

22.01.2022 RBA makes last call on official cash rate for 2020 The Reserve Bank of Australia has made its final call on the official cash rate for this year following its decision last month to cut the rate to a historic low In line with expectations, the RBA has held the cash rate at a record low of 0.1 of a percentage point.

21.01.2022 FREE on line courses at home. Call Zouki Lawyers for assistance

20.01.2022 JOBKEEPER With the ATO signalling a tough approach to JobKeeper compliance activity, some businesses are choosing to voluntarily drop out of the scheme for fear of financial reprisal or due to moral reasons, despite there being no regulatory requirement for them to do so. Contact Zouki Lawyers to know and understand your Companys legal rights.

20.01.2022 Dear Members, This week, the ATO has released the Business Monthly Declaration application for all businesses who have enrolled for JobKeeper. This declaration needs to be made before the ATO will reimburse you for JobKeeper payments made in April 2020. What you need to do 1. Confirm with us that you have processed and paid your eligible employees the JobKeeper payments for April 2020 and all eligible employees have signed their nomination forms... 2. Confirm with us your actual April 2020 Turnover 3. Confirm with us your projected May 2020 Turnover Please note that the ATO will not make the reimbursements to you until we have submitted this form on your behalf. It is imperative that you respond to us as soon as practicable. If you have any queries regarding JobKeeper, please feel free to contact Zouki Lawyers +61 3 9088 9130

20.01.2022 The Hon Michael Sukkar MP providing Federal COVID-19 updates.

19.01.2022 JOBKEEPER PAYMENT AND INCOME SUPPORT EXTENDED The JobKeeper Payment will be extended by six months to 28 March 2021 and the temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support will be extended until 31 December 2020. Please contact Zouki Lawyers for assisting you today in relation to the Jobkeeper payments updates and requirements.

19.01.2022 DEBT RECOVERY AND COVID-19 COVID-19 has impacted a range of businesses, either by a downturn in business, job losses, contracts unfulfilled and insolvency. This has also impacted related parties and creditors. Should you wish to discuss the relevant debt recovery measures that are available and how they have been impacted by COVID-19, please contact Zouki Lawyers immediately. Assistance available due to the impact of COVID-19 including the following but not limited to are:... Significant changes to Bankruptcy/Winding up applications; Mareva orders; Garnishee orders; Warrants; Insolvency exclusions; Current court processes and delays; Alternative avenues for creditors to recover monies during COVID-19. See more

19.01.2022 ATO tweaks JobKeeper deadline to account for holidays The ATO has extended JobKeeper deadlines for the second phase of the wage subsidy extension to account for the Christmas and New Year period. While the second extension period covers the JobKeeper fortnights between 4 January 2021 and 28 March 2021, a number of deadlines coincided with the Christmas and New Year holiday period.... As such, the ATO has announced it will grant businesses an extra few days to meet the wage condition and to complete their business monthly declaration for December.

19.01.2022 Contact Zouki Lawyers to discuss recent changes and updates to the probate office and how this may affect you during the pandemic and unusual applications and how these are made more difficult during COVID-19. For more details about the following contact us: Alert! Redcrest- Probate How will this work? Delayed commencement; Applications for probate and administration changes to process during COVID-19; Orders made under The Supreme Court (Administration and Probate)... Rules 2014 (Probate Rules), during COVID-19; Unusual Applications and how these are impacted by COVID-19 Grants to Attorneys; Grants to Corporations; Creditor Applications; Statutory Wills and Revocation of Wills; Revocation of Grants; Court delays during COVID-19. See more

19.01.2022 Contact Zouki Lawyers for more details

19.01.2022 On behalf of the Hon Faddy Zouky OAM, Management and Staff at Zouki Lawyers, we wish all a very safe, blessed and happy Eid Al-Adha

18.01.2022 Can the Department of Home Affairs delay decision while appealing judgement? 4 May 2020 Federal Court. In BAL19, FCA decided that s 501 and PIC 4001 do not apply to protection visa applications. Can DHA delay making a decision on protection visa applications on the basis that it disagrees with BAL19 and is appealing that decision? Was FCAs decision in BAL19 plainly wrong? Does s 501(3A) apply to the cancellation of protection visas? Does s 501 operate independently from s 65...? If the delay is not justified and BAL19 was not plainly wrong, should FCA issue a writ of mandamus, requiring DHA to consider according to law the protection visa application on the basis that s 501(1) does not empower the refusal of the application? The questions to the Federal Court (FCA) were as follows: Question 1: Can the Department delay making a decision on a protection visa application on the basis that it is waiting for the outcome of the BAL19 appeal? Question 2: Was the decision of the Federal Court (FCA) in BAL19 plainly wrong to the extend that it held that s 501 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) does not apply to protection visa applications? Question 3: Was the decision of the FCA in BAL19 plainly wrong to the extend that it held that Public Interest Criterion 4001 of Schedule 4 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) does not apply to protection visa applications? Question 4: Does s 501(3A) apply to the cancellation of protection visas? Question 5: Does s 501 operate independently from s 65? Question 6: If the answer to both Questions 1 and 2 is "no", should the FCA issue a writ of mandamus, requiring the Minister or his delegate to consider according to law the applicants application for a protection visa on the basis that s 501(1) does not empower the refusal of the application? Contact Zouki Lawyers immediately for more assistance.

17.01.2022 Ensure to contact Zouki Lawyers for further details.

17.01.2022 Reinstating QC In an effort to offer greater flexibility to senior members of the legal sector, the South Australian Government will reintroduce the Queens Counsel title. Since 2008, barristers in South Australia taking silk have been appointed with the title of Senior Counsel, after the then state government ceased the appointment of QCs, in line with other state and territory jurisdictions that had discontinued its use.... However, with jurisdictions such as Queensland and Victoria having already moved to reintroduce the QC title, SA Attorney-General Vickie Chapman will similarly bring back the title, a move she says has strong support from the legal profession in The Festival State. I understand there is some confusion and misunderstanding in the broader community about the use of the term Senior Counsel, which is less well known and regarded than the QC title which is universally recognised. This is one of the reasons why the sector has called for this reform, she said. The sector is also concerned that the title of Senior Counsel, or SC, is not as well known in the Asia-Pacific region, which makes it harder for those lawyers competing for international briefs. In addition to this, the SC title is easily confused with the title of Special Counsel, which applies to a number of in-house counsel within some businesses. Under a Bill to be introduced to the states parliament this week, A-G Chapman noted that the Supreme Court will still appoint legal practitioners as Senior Counsel, however, anyone who has been or will be appointed an SC will be able to apply to the Attorney-General to make a recommendation to the Governor that they be appointed as QC. This will give those lawyers who have been distinguished enough to earn this title the flexibility to choose the title they feel is most appropriate to their work, Ms Chapman said.

16.01.2022 Contact Zouki Lawyers for student visa updates Austrade regional market update on the impact of COVID-19 (as at 16 June 2020) | MIP WEEKLY... Your weekly Austrade MIP update with news, opportunities, data insights and more A message from Austrade to our international education partners Last week, the National Cabinet comprising the Prime Minister and all state and territory premiers and chief ministers agreed to work closely and carefully to help international students return to Australia, through a series of small and scaled pilot initiatives. With conditions easing and communities reawakening, there is light ahead for countries like Australia that have effectively managed the spread of the virus. However we recognise that in other parts of the world the situation is still catastrophic, potentially affecting the plans of students in key sources markets. Austrade will continue to work with the sector and our state and territory and federal government agency partners on the path to renewal and what part we can play in supporting the next phase of this evolving situation. Austrade regional market update on the impact of COVID-19 (as at 16 June 2020) Austrade will provide weekly regional updates on the progression and impact of COVID-19 around the world, to support the international education sector as the situation continues to evolve. These reports are compiled using the latest on-the-ground information and advice. The following updates include markets and regions for: Association of South East Asian Nations Europe Middle East and Africa North Asia Latin America North America South Asia

15.01.2022 Has your business been affected by COVID-19 Stage 4 Restrictions? Please call Zouki Lawyers today to know your rights. Figures from the National Accounts released this week confirm the devastating blow the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Australian economy so far, with real GDP falling by 7 per cent in the June quarter. Economic declines in other comparable countries - 9.1% in the United States, 13.8% in France and 20.4% in the United Kingdom - demonstrate just how devastating the global impact of the pandemic has been.

15.01.2022 With updates on jobkeeper, jobseeker and now the new jobmaker, contact Zouki Lawyers for more current details and know your legal rights

14.01.2022 Re: Small business transformation grants now open City of Melbourne recognises these are tough times, and that local businesses are facing unique challenges during COVID-19. Were working with the Victorian Government to roll out a $10 million support package for CBD businesses, including $8 million in grants for small business transformation, plus $2 million for mentoring and business support services. Grant applications are now open and close 11.59pm Thursday 3 September.... Transformation grants of up to $5000 are now available for small businesses located in the CBD, Docklands, World Trade Centre and Southbank, These grants focus on supporting bricks and mortar businesses impacted by decreased foot-traffic, enabling them to respond to challenging new circumstances and contribute to the vibrancy of the Melbourne CBD. Grants are open to all sectors, excluding hospitality. Hospitality businesses are eligible for the Victorian Governments CBD Hospitality Grant, also open now. Small business transformation grants are available through the City of Melbourne as part of the Victorian Governments $534 million business support package, which includes $20 million for CBD business support. These grants follow the City of Melbournes business support package, which included grants, rate relief and rent relief, announced in March 2020. If youre a business owner or employee and need information or support, please contact our Zouki Lawyers today for assistance. See more

13.01.2022 HomeBuilder Scheme Summary:

13.01.2022 Know the law and your fundamental rights in relation to sexual harassment. Contact Zouki Lawyers for advice and assistance.

12.01.2022 The Australian Taxation Office has warned businesses to be on the lookout for any untrustworthy advisers who may be offering inappropriate pre-insolvency advice ahead of the planned winding back of some key stimulus measures at the end of this year. Ensure you contact Zouki Lawyers immediately for correct advice.

12.01.2022 Victorian Budget 2020-21 announcements The Victorian Budget 2020-21 includes a number of announcements related to legislation administered by the State Revenue Office. The measures are listed here, along with their expected start date.... Payroll tax A payroll tax credit for businesses with payrolls less than $10 million whose Victorian taxable wages increase in 2020-21 and 2021-22 applies to the 2020-21 and 2021-22 payroll tax years. An increase in the annual reporting threshold, from $40,000 to $100,000, for businesses registered for payroll tax in Victoria 1 July 2021. Land tax A 50% land tax discount for eligible build-to-rent developments, including an exemption from the absentee owner surcharge, until 1 January 2040 2022 land tax year. A land tax exemption for land owned and occupied by not-for-profit clubs that provide for the social, cultural, recreational, literary or educational interests of their members 2021 land tax year. Land transfer (stamp) duty Bringing forward the 50% land transfer (stamp) duty concession for commercial and industrial properties in regional Victoria applies to contracts entered into on or after 1 January 2020. A land transfer (stamp) duty waiver of up to 50% on purchases of residential property in Victoria with a dutiable value of up to $1 million applies to contracts entered into on or after 25 November 2020 and before 1 July 2021

11.01.2022 BREAKING NEWS A-G to proceed with class actions parliamentary inquiry An examination of the impact of litigation funding on justice outcomes, originally announced earlier this year, is to be brought before parliament this week.... In March 2020, Attorney-General Christian Porter announced his intention to establish a parliamentary committee to determine whether or not Australians are receiving their fair share from class action settlements and look at the extraordinary profits being made by the booming litigation funding industry. The A-G is now set to press on with the inquiry and will move that the matter be referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, for inquiry and report by 7 December 2020. There is growing concern that the lack of regulation governing the booming litigation funding industry is leading to poor justice outcomes for those who join class actions, expecting to get fair compensation for an injury or loss, Mr Porter said. In many cases, funders are taking up to 30 per cent of legal settlements, leaving the members of the action to fight over the scraps that remain once legal fees and other costs are paid. In fact, the Australian Law Reform Commission found that when litigation funders were involved in a class action, the median return to class members was just 51 per cent, compared to 85 per cent when a funder was not involved. This amounts to clear evidence, Mr Porter submitted, that the system is not delivering fair and equitable outcomes for those mums and dads who join class actions, and demonstrates why, he argued, an inquiry into all aspects of the system is needed. Justice is not a business and the primary focus of those who work in the legal system should always be on getting the best outcomes for their clients, not on maximising returns for hungry shareholders, Mr Porter said. I hope this inquiry will generate useful insights that will enable us to develop policies that will ensure the interests of Australians are better protected. The Department also noted that it would release its response to the AHRC inquiry shortly. At the time of the initial inquiry announcement, Augusta Ventures managing director Neil Brennan said there is no additional benefit from a further study into the class actions space. See more

11.01.2022 Changes to student visa arrangements to support international students On 20 July the Australian Government announced a number of changes to student visa arrangements to support international students. CONTACT ZOUKI LAWYERS TODAY FOR ASSISTANCE UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION

10.01.2022 Work injury claims How much can you claim? Contact Zouki Lawyers for more details

10.01.2022 On behalf of the Hon Faddy Zouky OAM, Management and Staff at Zouki Lawyers, we wish all a very Merry Christmas.

09.01.2022 Economic Response to the Coronavirus The Coronavirus has presented a fast evolving and significant challenge to global health systems and economies. On 21 July the Government announced the extension of the JobKeeper Payment for a further six months until 28 March 2021 and is targeting support to those businesses and not-for-profits who continue to be significantly impacted by the Coronavirus.... To support the economic recovery, the Government is extending and further tailoring temporary economic measures to support sectors, regions and communities that will continue to face challenges. These actions may heavily impact your business, please contact ZOUKI LAWYERS IMMEDIATELY for advice.

09.01.2022 COVID-19 impact Looking forward, the ATO is expected to scrutinise JobKeeper and JobSeeker recipients, with the impacts of COVID-19 on tax collection said to become apparent in next year’s report. However, preliminary data has revealed net tax collections of $405 billion in 201920, down by $21 billion (5 per cent) over the previous year as a result of the economic impact of bushfires and COVID-19. ... As for the ATO-administered stimulus measures, for the year ended 30 June 2020, the Tax Office issued JobKeeper subsidy payments of $31.56 billion and cash flow boost payments of $23.62 billion. CALL ZOUKI LAWYERS FOR IMMEDIATE ADVICE

09.01.2022 Contact Zouki Lawyers for any criminal matters

08.01.2022 Victoria courts to refresh youth charges Under a proposed suite of changes, the Sentencing Advisory Council has advised that all courts go easier on youth offenders and expand the funding into regional areas of Victoria. As part of research into youth offenders, Victorias Sentencing Advisory Council called for laws that would force the states courts into considering a young criminals history in out-of-home care and any previous trauma that may relate to their sentencing. ...The move has garnered the attention of critics, but council deputy chair Lisa Ward said a change would favour rehabilitation over punishment. A reform could also see the criminal justice system better manage youth offenders and prevent future reoffending. Many children who have started offending have themselves been victims of crime, said Ms Ward. Childhood trauma affects childrens physical and neurological development in ways that increase their likelihood of offending. By recognising and addressing childhood trauma, [courts will see] there is a vital crime prevention strategy. The report Crossover Kids by the council found there is no current legislative guidelines and only limited case law on the relevance of trauma, including child abuse, to sentencing youths. It also identified barriers to fully informing sentencing without a childs history. Currently, the courts are required to consider factors including the age and criminal history of a youth offender, but there is no express reference to the relevance of prior trauma. The current legislation specifies matters that courts should consider when they sentence children, but there is no express reference to the relevance of childhood trauma, said Ms Ward. Our research indicates that this should be addressed. We know that a childs early involvement in the criminal justice system predicts ongoing involvement in crime. If we can effectively address this trauma, we can [help avoid] any lifetime of damage to children, their families and the community. In addition to considering past trauma, the council has also called for extra funding for all regional courts that specailise in youth offending. It also called for a pretrial youth justice group conferencing to intervene early and to empower courts to order that child protection workers attend if the Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for a child. See more

08.01.2022 On behalf of Zouki Lawyers, we wish all fathers a very happy Fathers Day

08.01.2022 Business Law - Partnerships, Business Sales, Acquisitions & Finance Contact Zouki Lawyers for all of the essential elements in the practice of business law from setting up company structures to conducting commercial transactions. This includes:... Partnerships Deeds Business names Acting for the vendor Acting for a purchaser Searches Settlements Finance Insurance issues .

07.01.2022 Bridging Visa, student visa expiring or any other visa issues during COVID-19, contact Zouki Lawyers immediately

07.01.2022 SOME VICTORIAN LEGISLATION UPDATES Legislation Update Victorian Bills Introduced in the last week... Victorian Acts Assented to in the last Week Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act (No. 15/2016) Assent: 19/04/2016 Judicial Commission of Victoria Act (No. 16/2016) Assent: 19/04/2016 Racing and Other Acts Amendment (Greyhound Racing and Welfare Reform) Act (No. 17/2016) Assent: 19/04/2016 Transport Accident Amendment Act (No. 18/2016) Assent: 19/04/2016 Victoria Police Amendment (Merit-based Transfer) Act (No. 19/2016) Assent: 19/04/2016

06.01.2022 UPDATES RELATING TO STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS. CONTACT ZOUKI LAYERS FOR MORE DETAILS. Employment... The Victorian Government has partnered with Sidekicker (an online employment platform) to assist jobseekers to find work, and employers to find workers. (Click here). Business Support Package A variety of state government grants and/or support funds are currently under way. These include: A $5000 grant to eligible businesses. Independent funds that are respectively geared to the night-time economy, CBD businesses, and regional tourism. Business mentor program, which pairs small business owners with experienced professionals for practical, hands-on advice. Mental health support program for small business owners. Click here for further information about the above list. Additional business support information is collated under the Business Victoria COVID-19 portal here. JobKeeper The federal government Jobkeeper initiative has been extended until 28 March 2021. New eligibility requirements will apply from 28 September 2020. Click here for further information. Relatedly, small businesses can apply for additional rent relief under the Commonwealth Tenancy Relief Scheme. Affected tenants are encouraged to correspond with their landlords. Our office can assist you with this process if need be. WorkSafe Victoria Employers are now obligated to notify WorkSafe in circumstances where a COVID-positive employee/contractor has attended the workplace. Click here for more info.

05.01.2022 Rent and tenancy advice Here are some information packages to assist you with the current financial hardship we are all experiencing. Please be advised that rent relief is at the Landlords discretion and often dependant on their own personal circumstances. Zouki Lawyers have received requests for rent relief, waiver, or discounts. The below information is designed to inform you regarding Government assistance as per the Code of Conduct https://www.pm.gov.au//national-cabinet...Continue reading

03.01.2022 What is the cost of withdrawing your super early? As the ATO is inundated with requests for early access to super during the coronavirus pandemic, contact Zouki Lawyers to discuss the longer-term implications for members. As part of their COVID-19 stimulus plan, the Australian government announced changes to superannuation laws that will allow people to access up to $20,000 from super, spread over the 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years, to help meet the financial challenges ...resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Contact Zouki Lawyers immediately for urgent assistance.

03.01.2022 Raksha Bandhan is the celebration of the love of brother and sister celebrated with great fun and excitement all over India. In this festival, a sister ties the Rakhi thread on the wrist of her dearest brother and prays to God for his protection. Stay home and stay safe.

03.01.2022 CHANGES TO LAWS DUE TO COVID-19. Call Zouki Lawyers for more details. Lots of laws have changed as the nation adapts to the shutdowns and businesses (big and small) are pushed towards, or even into, insolvency. To survive, theyre scrambling to restructure by moving their operations online and, for many, that is a completely new way of doing business.... Changes to insolvent trading laws to help companies move online Directors must normally prevent a company from incurring a debt if the company is insolvent (ie, unable to pay its debts when they fall due) or would become insolvent by incurring it. So-called safe harbour laws were introduced in 2017 that enable directors to take actions that they think will lead to a better outcome than placing the company into administration or liquidation. For COVID-19, this has been broadened to include debts incurred in the ordinary course of business on or after 25 March 2020 and up to 24 September 2020 (that deadline could be extended). The question is: what is the meaning of the ordinary course of business in this context? Crucially, the explanatory memorandum to the new legislation (the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 (Cth)) indicates that this should be interpreted broadly to include actions that are necessary to facilitate the continuation of the business during this period and that: this could include, for example, a director taking out a loan to move some business operations online. Selling tangible assets as Working From Home becomes the norm As businesses switch to working from home on a long-term or even permanent basis, many are choosing, or are compelled, to sell tangible assets such as office equipment. Instead of a full Business Sale Agreement, these transactions require an Asset Sale Agreement that has been specifically designed for sales of tangible assets. Keep in mind that insolvency practitioners may be personally liable for obligations incurred by the company in administration under various provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

03.01.2022 JOBKEEPER UPDATES Fair Work Commission allowed access to JobKeeper data ... The Federal Parliament has passed new legislation allowing JobKeeper data to be disclosed to the Fair Work Commission for the purposes of administering of the Fair Work Act. Treasury Laws Amendment (2020 Measures No. 2) Bill 2020 passed both houses of Parliament on Tuesday. The bill makes amendments to the tax secrecy provisions in the Tax Administration Act to allow protected information relating to the JobKeeper scheme to be disclosed to the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman for the purposes of the administration of the Fair Work Act 2009. Under previous law, the Tax Commissioner could only disclose to the Fair Work Ombudsman the fact that an entity has not complied with a taxation law or is reasonably suspected of such non-compliance for the purpose of ensuring the entitys compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009. However, information sharing under the new provisions is not restricted to the limited time frame of the JobKeeper scheme. According to the bills explanatory statement, the flexibility allows for effective administration in relation to disputes, investigations and other outstanding matters regarding the JobKeeper scheme that may continue after all payments have been made. The federal government announced the second iteration of JobKeeper will be extended beyond September and into March 2021. The new JobKeeper payment will be reduced to $1,200 per fortnight from October, while those working under 20 hours pre-COVID will receive $750 instead of the $1,500 flat rate. From 1 January until 31 March 2021, the payment will be lowered further to $1,000 and $650, respectively. Contact Zouki Lawyers to understand the new updated Law

02.01.2022 High Court of Australia names 2 new judges Home/Big Law/High Court of Australia names 2 new judges High Court of Australia names 2 new judges By Naomi Neilson|21 October 2020...Continue reading

01.01.2022 On behalf of The Hon Faddy Zouky OAM Principal with Trust and all staff at Zouki Lawyers, we wish all a blessed Eid ul-Fitr. May Allah bless your families and this Eid bring you happiness and prosperity throughout the coming year. Eid Mubarak.