All QLS News Headlines

08 February 2012 – Planned QLS website outage

Due to building power maintenance works at Law Society House both the QLS and Lexon websites will be unavailable from 5pm Friday 10 February until late Sunday 12 February.

Emails sent to QLS during this time will queue and be delivered to recipients at the end of the outage. Lexon emails will be unaffected.

25 January 2012 – PPSR and Conveyancing Settlements

The Personal Property Securities Register (the Register) and the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) will come into operation on 30 January 2012. The PPSA will apply to the release of security interests over personal property on and from that day. Land is not personal property under the PPSA and the PPSA does not apply to interests in fixtures.

02 December 2011 – New version of REIQ contracts to be released Monday 5 December 2011

The new versions of the standard REIQ House & Residential Land and Residential Lots in a Body Corporate contracts have now been approved for release on Monday 5 December 2011.

29 November 2011 – Society on front foot in State election lead-up

Queensland Law Society is on the front foot in the lead-up to the next election, sending 11 priority legal profession issues to the ALP and LNP.

25 November 2011 – Personal Property Securities Register commencement times announced

The Federal Attorney-General has issued a formal Determination and Explanatory Statement setting out the following times for the commencement of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

15 November 2011 – Annual General Meeting of Queensland Law Society Inc.

A reminder that the QLS Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 16 November 2011, at Law Society House, 179 Ann Street, Brisbane, commencing at 5.30pm.

07 October 2011 – Queensland Law Society Council elections results

We are pleased to announce the results of the Queensland Law Society 2012-13 Council elections. Congratulations to all those who have been elected. It has been great to see the innovative ways our candidates engaged with the membership and embraced the new and different methods of getting their campaign messages across.

26 September 2011 – Make a difference in the profession and your community – join a QLS policy committee

Queensland Law Society members are invited to join one of our 2012 policy committees that provide specialised advice and advocate for members’ rights and interests.

12 September 2011 – Have your say and vote in the Council elections

Voting is now open in the Queensland Law Society 2011 Council elections and all members are encouraged to have their say at this crucial time in the profession’s history.

26 August 2011 – Changes to court fees and child protection legislation

From Monday 29 August, changes to the Child Protection Act 1999 will come in force with the introduction of the Child Protection and Other Acts Amendment Act 2010.

On 1 September 2011 the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2011 will commence.

23 August 2011 – QLS 2011/12 strategic plan – a blueprint for member service

Queensland Law Society’s 2011/12 strategic plan has just been released, providing a blueprint for future member service.

12 August 2011 – Call for nominations for the Agnes McWhinney Award 2011

Queensland Law Society is now calling for nominations for the Agnes McWhinney Award, which acknowledges outstanding professional or community contribution by a woman lawyer who has practised as a solicitor.

10 August 2011 – New QLS Council elections site shaped to meet members’ needs

The QLS Council e-elections site is up and running, shaped to meet members’ needs with the latest election information and resources.

18 July 2011 – Queensland Government State election – let them hear your voice

Queensland Law Society is determined that the voice of legal practitioners is heard at the next State election.

05 July 2011 – Elder abuse concerns highlight a growing problem

This week Queensland Law Society released a critical report (PDF 2.6MB) on elder abuse following public consultation which highlighted a wide array of concerns with this growing problem.

29 June 2011 – Updated QLS Legal Services Award Guide

The Queensland Law Society's Legal Services Award Guide has been updated to include new minimum wages and meal allowances set by Fair Work Australia effective from 1 July 2011. There have also been changes to wages for traineeships incorporated into the Legal Services Award 2010 available on the Fair Work Australia website.

24 June 2011 – Business development and marketing guide available now

With the start of the new financial year, now is a great time for Queensland Law Society members to access the free Business development and marketing guide, containing great ideas for building your business.

09 June 2011 – Advocacy Annual launch!

Queensland Law Society is proud to launch the inaugural Queensland Law Society Advocacy Annual! The 2010/11 Advocacy Annual provides an overview of the most important issues tackled by the Society in the 2010 calendar year and the beginning of 2011 sorted by areas of legal practice. The briefs cover the issues’ backgrounds, actions conducted and outcomes achieved.

31 May 2011 – Queensland solicitors keep costs fair and just

Queensland Law Society stated today recent media regarding legal costs referred to an isolated incident and that, on the whole, solicitors kept costs fair and just.

24 May 2011 – Completing new BCCMA disclosure statements

Queensland Law Society has published a practice guidance document in response to queries about completing the new REIQ disclosure statements, in particular the new requirements in sections 206(2)(b) and 213(2)(a) of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCMA) which describes the extent to which the levies are based on contribution schedule lot entitlements and interest schedule lot entitlements. The document is useful for completing these disclosures.

12 May 2011 – Build your profile and your business - Contribute to Proctor

Build your personal professional profile and your organisation’s reputation – submissions for the July, August and September editions of Proctor are now welcome.

04 May 2011 – Get stuck into Law Week!

Looking for something different to do 16-22 May? There’s a cavalcade of fabulous activities on offer during Law Week for everyone to enjoy.

27 April 2011 – New trust account reviews to make record keeping easier

Queensland Law Society’s new trust account compliance reviews, starting 1 July 2011, will help law practices comply with their legislative record keeping requirements and ensure good trust account management practices.

15 April 2011 – Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010

The Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010 became law on 14 April 2011 after the changes received Royal Assent. Queensland Law Society has developed Body Corporate legislation information regarding major aspects of this legislative change.

12 April 2011 – Choice of charity in your hands

Queensland Law Society members have the chance to make an extraordinary difference to a special non-profit and help choose the Society’s Charity of Choice for 2011/12.

11 April 2011 – Brisbane Law Courts access cards now a permanent feature

Initiated by the Queensland Law Society and the Bar Association of Queensland, legal practitioner access cards are now a permanent feature of the Brisbane Law Courts Complex.

25 March 2011 – Equity and Diversity Award

Nominations are now open for the Queensland Law Society 2011 Equity and Diversity Award. The award aims to encourage all Queensland legal practices to promote staff diversity and accommodate lifestyle needs.

25 January 2011 – Legal Services Award – 2011 introductory guide out now!

Queensland Law Society has updated its Introductory Guide to the Legal Services Award.

17 January 2011 – Prescribed account deposit calculation tool

A new Queensland Law Society calculation tool helps law practices calculate their Prescribed Account Deposit, due on or before 21 January each year.

17 January 2011 – Make a difference on the Free Legal Advice Panel

Applications are now open for Queensland Law Society members to make a difference and apply to join the Free Legal Advice Panel.

30 November 2010 – New REIQ Contract Versions Now Available – Swimming Pool Legislation

The Queensland Government's new swimming pool safety compliance regime comes into effect on 1 December 2010. To assist with the transition, the fourth edition of the Residential Lots in a CTS contract and the eighth edition of the House and Residential Land contract for contracts formed on and from 1 December 2010 are now available. If you have any issues accessing the new contracts, please call QLS’ call centre on 3842 5888.

19 November 2010 – Client Relations Centre now at Legal Services Commission

On Friday 10 December 2010, responsibilities held by the Queensland Law Society’s Client Relations Centre will be transferred to the Legal Services Commission (LSC).

09 November 2010 – New swimming pool legislation information now available

Queensland Law Society has published valuable information regarding the new Pool Safety Certificate disclosure regime.

28 October 2010 – Family Law Regulations, Family Court form and fee changes

The Family Law Amendment Regulations 2010 (No.2) will take effect from 1 November 2010.

26 October 2010 – New tax system for managed investment trusts

Queensland Law Society calls for comments on the new tax system for managed investment trust discussion paper.

26 October 2010 – Review decisions of Q-Comp - new procedures

The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) has advised of procedures to take effect from 1 November 2010 when the QIRC assumes responsibility for appeals against review decisions of Q-Comp under the Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Reform and Modernisation Amendment Act 2010.

04 October 2010 – Agnes McWhinney Award goes to Judge Fleur Kingham

Judge Fleur Kingham was awarded the Queensland Law Society Agnes McWhinney Award for her contribution to access to justice.

01 October 2010 – PAMDA and BCCMA amendments commence today

Amendments to the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 and the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 made by the Property Agents and Motor Dealers and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010 commenced today, 1 October 2010.

21 September 2010 – PAMDA transitional arrangements

Queensland Law Society has developed an introduction to transitional arrangements for the Property Agents and Motor Dealers and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010.

20 September 2010 – Land Valuation Bill 2010 passed

The new Act changes the way land valuations are determined.

20 September 2010 – Pool safety reforms

Queensland Law Society ensures flexible post-settlement period is included in pool safety reforms passed on 15 September 2010.

13 September 2010 – Go Red for Women Heart Health Challenge

Our charity of choice, the Heart Foundation, is conducting the 10-week Go Red for Women challenge.

09 September 2010 – Land Valuation Bill 2010 introduced into Parliament

The Land Valuation Bill 2010 has been introduced after the Government's close consultation with Queensland Law Society.

31 August 2010 – Financial aspects of civil jurisdiction reform - guidance released

Queensland Law Society has released guidance material that outlines the transition to the changes to the financial jurisdiction of the civil courts.

27 August 2010 – Start dates of stage one Moynihan reforms announced

The start dates of the staged introduction of the Moynihan reforms have been proclaimed - with some introduced from 1 September 2010.

26 August 2010 – Improved court access for solicitors

Queensland Law Society members can obtain a special access card for the Brisbane Law Courts complex.

25 August 2010 – Queensland Government confirms National Occupational Licensing System not to bring conveyancers to Queensland

Queensland Treasurer confirms the Queensland Government does not intend to license conveyancers.

18 August 2010 – Amendments to PAMDA and BCCM regarding residential property sale contracts passed

The Property Agents and Motor Dealers and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010, which amends the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 and the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, was passed in State Parliament last night.

17 August 2010 – Changes to residential property sale contracts

The Property Agents and Motor Dealers and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 currently before Parliament will commence on 1 October 2010.

13 August 2010 – Queensland Law Society responds to National Legal Profession Reform Draft Bill and Rules

Queensland Law Society has lodged its submission to the National Legal Profession Reform Taskforce in response to the draft Bill and Rules.

09 August 2010 – Civil and criminal reforms passed by Parliament

The Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Reform and Modernisation Amendment Bill was passed by Parliament on 3 August 2010.

04 August 2010 – Integrity Act reform to help legal practitioners

Queensland Law Society has successfully lobbied Government for amendments to the Integrity Act 2009 to assist legal practitioners in dealing with government agencies.

05 July 2010 – Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2010

The Queensland Law Society recently made submissions to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee regarding the Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2010, which proposes to implement sanctions that may have a practical impact on legal practitioners who engage in transactions that involve international entities.

01 July 2010 – Franchising Code updated and commencing 1 July 2010

Amendments to the Franchising Code announced by Minister Craig Emerson on 4 June 2010 come into force today.

29 June 2010 – Updates to standard REIQ House & Residential Land and Residential Lots in a Community Titles Scheme contracts

The REIQ and the Queensland Law Society have agreed to amendments to the standard REIQ House & Residential Land and Residential Lots in a Community Titles Scheme contracts.

21 June 2010 – Consultation on conduct rules for lawyers begins

Queenslanders are invited to comment on draft national conduct rules for lawyers during a two-month consultation period.

17 June 2010 – Elder abuse: How well does the law in Queensland cope?

A discussion paper has been launched about how the legal system can better protect older Queenslanders from abuse.

15 June 2010 – Workers' compensation reforms to commence 1 July

The Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 was passed by the Queensland Parliament on 9 June 2010 and will begin on 1 July.

25 May 2010 – National Legal Assistance and Access to Justice Campaign

The national Legal Aid Matters campaign aims to improve access to justice for all Australians.

25 May 2010 – Find out more about Legal Profession National Law

The draft national legal profession legislation has been released for public consultation until 13 August 2010.

30 April 2010 – Queensland Law Society scheme set to cap liability

The Professional Standards Council has approved a Queensland Law Society scheme that will protect members from uncapped damages claims.

29 April 2010 – WorkCover reforms reflect Society advocacy

WorkCover reforms announced by State Government are in line with Queensland Law Society recommendations.

27 April 2010 – Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing survey of legal practices extended

The closing date for the Australian Institute of Criminology’s anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing survey has been extended until 31 May.

20 April 2010 – Australian Consumer Law and the new Unfair Contract Terms Law

The Governor-General has provided Royal Assent to the Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Act (No.1) 2010.

13 April 2010 – Mandatory standard terms document for subleases subject to the Land Act 1994 (Qld)

The Department of Environment and Resource Management now has a mandatory standard terms document for subleases subject to the Land Act 1994 (Qld).

07 April 2010 – Changes in juvenile justice come into force

The Juvenile Justice and Other Acts Amendment Act 2009 commenced on 29 March 2010.

07 April 2010 – National credit regime registration period begins

The National Consumer Credit Regulation Regime is set to commence operation from 1 July 2010.

30 March 2010 – Discussion of national reforms at the QLS Vincents’ Symposium

Chief Justice Paul de Jersey AC and Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland MP discuss the need for comprehensive consultation and independence of the legal profession in the national legal profession reform process.

30 March 2010 – New QLS legal ethics website launched

The Australian Lawyers’ Ethics website aims to provide lawyers and the public with access to ethics information, tools and resources.

23 March 2010 – Civil liability changes

The Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010 amends several aspects of common law damages and civil liability threshold amounts.

17 March 2010 – Anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing reform

The extension of anti-money laundering legislation to the legal profession is being reconsidered by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.

17 March 2010 – Valuation of Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010

The QLS has undertaken successful advocacy in relation to a Bill, which proposed a major change to land valuations.

17 March 2010 – QLS liaises with OSR

The QLS has liaised with the Office of State Revenue to resolve the legal profession’s concerns.

17 March 2010 – Personal injury advertising and referral arrangements

Law practices have until 31 March 2010 to ensure they comply with the new Legal Services Commission guidelines.

09 February 2010 – Queenslanders risk losing right to trial by jury

Proposed reforms to the Queensland justice system could remove the right to a trial by jury, lead to miscarriages of justice and increase costs.

08 February 2010 – Legal Careers Expo to highlight diversity of profession

The State’s legal industry will be on show to more than 500 law graduates at the third consecutive Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo.

05 February 2010 – Chamber music in the Banco Court

Queensland’s own chamber orchestra, the Camerata of St John’s, will perform in the Banco Court on 5 March 2010.

02 February 2010 – Nominations open for domestic violence prevention awards

The Queensland Government’s 2010 Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards are now open for nominations.

18 January 2010 – Have your say at the ASIC regional stakeholder meetings

The ASIC regional stakeholder liaison meetings are your chance to raise issues of importance to you.

14 January 2010 – Congratulations to newly accredited specialists

The QLS congratulates those practitioners who completed the specialist accreditation assessment in 2009.

13 January 2010 – Change in Legal Aid Queensland criminal law funding guidelines

From 1 January 2010, the Legal Aid Queensland criminal law funding guidelines were amended.

05 January 2010 – QLS launches its 48th Annual Vincents' Symposium 2010 program

Discover how to navigate change affecting the legal profession when the Queensland Law Society presents the 48th Annual Vincents’ Symposium 2010 to be held 26-27 March at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

22 December 2009 – Queensland Law Society celebrates professional excellence

Queensland lawyers’ achievements and contributions within the profession and the broader community were celebrated at the recent Queensland Law Society’s annual President’s Christmas Cocktails and Awards ceremony.

30 November 2009 – 2010 Constitutional Law Conference and Dinner

A major conference on constitutional law will be held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Friday 19 February.

10 November 2009 – Transitional information for QCAT commencement December 1

What is happening with the launch of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and how will it affect you?

06 November 2009 – LCA seeks national profession to benefit lawyers and consumers

The Law Council of Australia says that any new uniform system regulating the practice of law in Australia must be structured to preserve the independence of the legal profession and benefit legal services consumers.

06 November 2009 – Changes to building and construction law

Legal practitioners should note regulatory changes to building and construction law that will impact on the advice they give to consumers and contractors.