Insights

Buying or selling property in Victoria? Building and pest inspection clauses can make or break a deal. Here’s what purchasers and vendors need to know about termination rights, major defects and the fine print hidden inside a Contract of Sale.

Governments can compulsorily acquire private land for public purposes in Victoria. Learn how the process works, what compensation you can claim, and why independent legal advice is essential. Expert guidance from Anton Dunhill, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.

Affected by VNI West or another infrastructure project? Learn how compulsory acquisition works in Victoria and what compensation may be available.

A missing $1,500 gate turned into a $15.2 million payout. This case is a sharp warning for councils: when predictable behaviour meets overlooked design, liability follows.

When majority control crosses the line into unfairness, minority shareholders are not without recourse. This overview explains what oppression looks like and how the Court responds.

When a company cannot or will not act, directors and shareholders may step in. This case highlights when the Court will allow proceedings to be brought on the company’s behalf — and the risks that come with it.

When a damaging anonymous review crossed the line, legal action forced Google to reveal the identity behind the account—exposing a competitor posing as a customer.

Selling a business with a vehicle fleet adds layers of legal and logistical complexity. From roadworthy requirements and registration transfers to the potential advantages of a share sale or SPV structure, understanding the implications early can prevent costly delays and unexpected exposure at completion.

When control shifts and transparency disappears, minority shareholders can find themselves locked out of the business they helped build. The law provides powerful remedies — but evidence is critical.

When confidential data walks out the door, speed matters. Early court intervention can prevent irreparable commercial damage.

Handshake deals feel simple — right up until memory, money and expectations diverge. If nothing is in writing, evidence becomes the battleground.

What starts as a handshake at the kitchen table can end in years of litigation. When family succession plans are undocumented, disputes can escalate quickly.

When employee theft occurs, hesitation can cost you. Acting quickly — and strategically — can significantly improve your chances of recovery.

When trust breaks down inside a company, the consequences can be commercially devastating. Understanding your legal options early can protect both your position and your investment.

Australian courts can enforce Chinese court judgments where strict legal criteria are met. A recent Victorian Supreme Court decision confirms how the process works.

Not every damaging review is protected speech. Learn when legal action may be available, and why acting early matters.

Market value might grab the headlines in compulsory acquisition cases, but it is often the hidden costs that matter most. The Manor Lakes litigation reshaped how Victorian courts treat disturbance, confirming that stamp duty on replacement land is not a sunk cost, but a compensable consequence of losing development “stock in trade”. For developers and authorities alike, it remains the definitive guide to replenishing land banks after acquisition.

A land sale is not “sold” for compensation purposes when the contract is signed. The Plunkett decision confirms settlement is the critical trigger—reshaping how timing, valuation and costs risk must be managed.

A family farm. A compulsory acquisition. And a valuation claim that jumped from $7.7 million to $64 million before collapsing at VCAT. The Sparrovale case shows how land is really valued in Victoria — and why speculative claims don’t survive scrutiny.