Hidden hazards
The beach on the town side of Napier became dangerous in the earthquake in 1931. What appears a safe, flat sea is actually tricky. It is known for a sudden drop-off and unexpected waves.
The stamp duties legislation in Australia has mostly been rewritten in plainer language.
But it too has hazards that are not apparent to the uninitiated.
A simple example of this is section 498 of the Queensland Duties Act.
I have it flagged in my print.
I check it against every advice given.
But it is up the back of the Act, and changes the meaning and effect of all provisions referring to property and dutiable property in the Act.
If you are ever likely to advise on this Act - staple a flag on that page. And always look at it.
Anaesthetist, NFP director
3yNo asterisk either to helpfully refer readers to the “however:”
Barrister at Victorian Bar
3yA test that was used on my cohort of articled clerks was to be asked what was the amount of a penalty unit under the Qld Penalties and Sentencing Act. The importance of getting the answer right was stressed, as it was for a very important corporate client. I looked at the Act and saw a provision which stated in clear terms the amount of a penalty unit. I confidently gave the answer and was asked if I was sure. What I found out later was that, tucked towards back of the Act was a section that said that, in the case of a company, a multiplier was applied when calculating a penalty unit. I figured it was a test when others in my cohort reported that they’d been asked the same question.
Strategy | Mediation | Leadership
3yStaples break my screen David