January 16, 2025 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

New stalking legislation to come into force

Written by Damandeep Sadhra and Saige Lindsay During November 2024, Justice Paul Goldsmith announced the Government’s plan to make stalking an illegal offence. The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill (Bill) was introduced and passed the first reading in Parliament on 12 December 2024. The Bill defines stalking as three specified acts within a 12-month period that establish a pattern of behaviour amounting to stalking, including behaviour that is likely to cause fear or distress. Watching, loitering, recording, and contacting...

January 15, 2025 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Updates to Employment Law – what you should know

Written by Christine Symes and Saige Lindsay Over the past year, there have been several changes proposed and implemented by the National and Act coalition government within the realm of employment law; affecting both employers and employees. Below is a summary of these changes and how they may affect you. The minimum wage increase On 1 April 2025, following an announcement from Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden in late 2024, the minimum wage increased by 35 cents to $23.50...

December 13, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Making building more affordable

As part of the Government’s commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing, the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill (Bill) was introduced to Parliament. Its purpose being to remove barriers to new building materials entering our market, resulting in more competitively priced products and greater resilience to supply disruptions. This follows on from a Commerce Commission market study (2022) into residential building supplies, which found a lack of competition in the supply and acquisition of key...