Rigby Cooke Lawyers

10/09/2026

Litigation & Dispute Resolution alert: Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised how people engage with the law and obtain legal advice. Increasingly, clients are using AI systems to help them frame their requests for legal advice. However, it is important to be mindful of the risks associated with the use of AI in the court process.

In our latest Litigation & Dispute Resolution alert, we explore the impact of increasing AI use on legal professional privilege and highlight the risk that engagement with publicly available AI systems may result in an inadvertent waiver of privilege.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/legal-professional-privilege-in-the-age-of-ai-to-be-or-not-to-be/

Rigby Cooke Lawyers can assist with navigating these emerging issues and mitigating the risks associated with the use of AI in legal matters. To discuss how AI may affect your legal rights, obligations or ability to maintain legal professional privilege, please contact a member of our Litigation & Dispute Resolution group below.

Elizabeth Guerra-Stolfa, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7864
Tom Hoerner, Special Counsel, on +61 3 9321 7818
Phoebe Langridge, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7809
Hendrik Wise, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7822

In our latest Litigation & Dispute Resolution alert, we explore the impact of increasing AI use on legal professional privilege and highlight the risk that engagement with publicly available AI systems may result in an inadvertent waiver of privilege.

10/09/2026

It’s R U OK? Day 2026

A simple conversation can make more of a difference than you may think.

One in three people underestimate the difference they can make simply by asking someone, “Are you OK?”. However, 90% of people who have been asked the question report feeling supported and cared for.

Despite this, one in four people hesitate to check in, even when they believe someone may be struggling.

This R U OK? Day, we are encouraging everyone to start the conversation if someone is on their mind and ask, “Are you OK?”. Simply listening and giving your time might be enough to help someone you know who may be struggling or doing it tough.

While R U OK? is not a crisis support or counselling service, its website provides a range of support contacts, services and useful resources to help those who need professional support.

To learn more >> https://bit.ly/3AXIkMX

08/09/2026

Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Workplace Relations team launches The Laws@Work podcast

We are excited to launch our inaugural podcast, The Laws@Work: Episode 1 — Restructure and redundancy, hosted by Victoria Comino, Lead Partner of our Workplace Relations group.

We understand that everyone is busy, which is why our podcast offers the flexibility to listen whenever it suits you. Each episode is designed to run no longer than 15 minutes, providing practical insights in a concise and accessible format.

In each episode of The Laws@Work, Victoria will be joined by one of the team — David McLaughlin, Sam Eichenbaum, Maddy Lodge or Andrew Gale — to discuss the legal and practical challenges facing employers today. From employment contracts, negotiations and HR compliance to flexible work, AI, psychosocial hazards, mental health, workplace investigations and employee terminations, each episode delivers expert insights and practical guidance to navigate the changing world of work.

The Laws@Work: Episode 1 — Restructure and redundancy

Workplace restructures can be complex, sensitive and high risk. So how can employers get them right?

In our first episode of The Laws@Work, Victoria is joined by David to unpack the legal and practical realities of restructures and redundancies. Covering everything from the consultation process and genuine redundancy considerations to risk management and employee communications, they share expert guidance to ensure your business stays compliant throughout the process. Whether you are a HR professional or business owner, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate workplace change effectively.

To listen to this episode of The Laws@Work, click here >> https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xL3fkVHk44I2jDbkJU699?si=bPq425-XTwKEGadDeeRuyQ

Our Workplace Relations team can provide practical, strategic advice to help you manage change with confidence. If you need help navigating any issues arising from a workplace restructure or redundancy, please contact a member of our Workplace Relations group below.

Victoria Comino, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7921
David McLaughlin, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7838
Sam Eichenbaum, Senior Consultant, on +61 3 9321 7886
Maddy Lodge, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7839
Andrew Gale, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7830

The Laws@Work · Episode

04/09/2026

Customs & Trade alert: Smuggling, piggybacking and a history of government intervention in the supply chain

There is a long history of government intervention in international supply chains for a variety of reasons, whether related to the conduct of war, recovery of various duties, public safety controls or the protection of national interests. Smuggling is as old as the very first trade regulations and taxes.

Various forms of smuggling can be traced back to medieval times, likely beginning with the illicit export of English wool to France. These exports were subject to substantial customs duties imposed to finance English military campaigns. Reportedly, the illicit export of wool was originally known as ‘owling’ as it was conducted solely at night.

A further historical example relates to the illicit importation of French lace, whiskey and other goods that were subject to import duties. These goods were smuggled into England in ways intended to avoid border officials in place to recover duties. Such smuggling has often been romanticised in films ,with goods arriving on English beaches late at night and being moved under candlelight to ‘secret’ premises before being made available for sale.

Over time, smuggling and evasion of different government controls at the border have changed as public interest have evolved.

The ‘slave trade’ has evolved into ‘people smuggling’ and controls at the border have changed depending on the products the subject of government interests. Those in the supply chain who facilitate these actions are known variously as ‘bad actors’ and ‘trusted insiders’ and are within both the private sector and government employees.

In our latest Custom & Trade alert, Andrew Hudson explores the long history of government intervention in international supply chains and traces the evolution of smuggling from medieval customs evasion to modern concerns such as illicit to***co imports and piggybacking. He examines the Australian Border Force's (ABF) increasing focus on supply chain participants, including licensed customs brokers and freight forwarders, and outlines the ABF's expectations for due diligence, verification, compliance and reporting to help combat illicit trade and protect the integrity of the border.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/smuggling-piggybacking-and-a-history-of-government-intervention-in-the-supply-chain/

If you would like advice on customs compliance, supply chain risk management or responding to regulatory investigations, please contact a member of our Customs & Trade team below:

Andrew Hudson, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7851
Gigi Hancock, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7806

A version of this article was published in the Daily Newswire by The DCN.

In our latest Customs & Trade alert, Andrew Hudson looks into the long history of government intervention in the international supply chain, undertaken for a variety of reasons, whether related to the conduct of war, recovery of various duties, as controls for public safety or intended to protect na...

03/09/2026

Christian Teese presents at the 2026 Estate and Succession Law Conference

Last week, Christian Teese, Partner in our Wills, Trusts & Estates group, presented on ‘Family provision claims in “complicated” second relationships’ at The Law Society of Tasmania 2026 Estate and Succession Law Conference.

Christian’s session explored the controversy which arises when the court is asked to accept evidence of an unregistered domestic relationship and examined what the court needs to see from an evidence perspective, as well as decision-making trends and learnings from recent cases.

Commenting on the presentation, Christian said: “Cases involving unregistered domestic relationships highlight the crucial role evidence plays in determining both the nature of a relationship and the legal entitlements that may arise from it.”

Christian and our Wills, Trusts & Estates team regularly advise on complex estate disputes involving blended families, second relationships and competing claims on estates.

If you are navigating an estate dispute involving a blended family or unregistered domestic relationship, please contact a member of our Wills, Trusts & Estates group below.

Rachael Grabovic, Partner & Notary Public, on +61 3 9321 7826
Christian Teese, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7983
Thalia Livadaras, Special Counsel, on +61 3 9321 7881
Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7892
Ashwin Reddy, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7868
Jenna Bayindir, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7891

01/09/2026

We are delighted to introduce Gigi Hancock, Lawyer in our Customs & Trade group.

Gigi advises clients on all aspects of customs and trade law, working closely with importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders. She represents clients in government investigations, inquiries, and litigation involving anti-dumping measures, customs duties, licensing compliance, biosecurity requirements, and defence trade controls.

Prior to joining Rigby Cooke Lawyers, Gigi was Senior Legal Counsel at the New Zealand Customs Service, advising Customs Investigations and Revenue groups on the lawful use of Customs powers and delivering training across operational teams. She has also undertaken complex investigations into integrity issues, police misconduct and financial crime, and has advised on significant prosecutions and administrative review proceedings. With a particular interest in witness interviews, Gigi is a PEACE-trained interviewer and has examined witnesses under summons.

Gigi joins Andrew Hudson, Lead Partner of our Customs & Trade practice and Manufacturing group.

Commenting on Gigi’s recent appointment, Andrew said:

“I am delighted to welcome Gigi to our Customs & Trade team. Gigi has an impressive depth and breadth of knowledge in customs and trade law, and her extensive experience in law enforcement and regulatory investigations strengthens our ability to meet our clients’ evolving needs while maintaining excellent service.”

To learn more about Gigi Hancock >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/people/gigi-hancock/

Gigi Hancock is a Lawyer in our Customs & Trade team and member of our Manufacturing and Transport & Logistics industry groups.

01/09/2026

Christian Teese and Marcus Schivo present at Leo Cussen Wills and Estates Conference

Last week, Christian Teese, Partner, and Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate, from our Wills, Trusts & Estates group presented on ‘Will drafting in high-conflict estates: Structuring clauses to reduce litigation risk’ at the Leo Cussen Wills and Estates Conference.

Their session explored how contested estate litigation continues to expose common drafting weaknesses in Wills, while sharing practical strategies to strengthen Wills to minimise disputes, manage complex family dynamics, and better protect a client's testamentary intentions against future challenges.

Commenting on the presentation, Marcus said: “Effective Will drafting is essential to ensuring a client's wishes are carried out while reducing the risk of costly and emotionally draining estate disputes.”

For tailored advice to meet your estate planning objectives, please contact a member of our Wills, Trusts & Estates group below.

Rachael Grabovic, Partner & Notary Public, on +61 3 9321 7826
Christian Teese, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7983
Thalia Livadaras, Special Counsel, on +61 3 9321 7881
Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7892
Ashwin Reddy, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7868
Jenna Bayindir, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7891

26/08/2026

Calling on all family businesses and property businesses operating through discretionary trusts! The Property Council of Australia needs your help in its campaign against the Federal Government's proposed changes to discretionary trusts.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced in the 2026-27 Budget its plan to introduce a 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028. The proposed changes will impact the way many family businesses and property businesses operating through discretionary trust structures are taxed, with significant implications for how businesses structure and fund future developments.

The Property Council of Australia is advocating against these changes and has commissioned Accent Research to conduct polling on the impact they may have on businesses.

The Property Council is keen to ensure every voice in the property sector, and beyond, is heard and is encouraging businesses structured through discretionary trusts to participate in the survey using the link below.

The survey can be completed here >> https://au.focusvision.com/survey/selfserve/ae8/260822?list=2

The survey has two key objectives. First, it seeks to highlight the many legitimate uses of discretionary trusts. Many businesses use discretionary trusts to separate risk across projects, protect business assets and support long-term investment decisions.

Second, it aims to emphasise the considerable time, effort and cost that businesses may incur if they are forced to restructure their affairs as a result of these changes.

If you have any questions, or would like to share more about your experiences with these proposed tax changes, please contact Simon Cowan in the Property Council of Australia’s Capital Markets team at [email protected].

Thank you for your participation.

25/08/2026

Wills, Trusts & Estates alert: Division 296 tax regime — What SMSF trustees need to know

The Federal Government’s new Division 296 tax regime, which commenced on 1 July 2026, represents one of the most significant changes to the taxation of superannuation in recent years. While the rules are aimed at individuals with very large superannuation balances, their impact will be felt most acutely by members of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), particularly those holding property, private investments and other assets that can be difficult to value.

In our latest Wills, Trusts & Estates alert, Ashwin Reddy examines the new Division 296 tax regime and what it means for SMSF trustees and members, including who may be affected, the key compliance and administrative considerations, and the steps trustees should take now to prepare for the additional tax on superannuation balances above the prescribed threshold.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/division-296-tax-regime-what-smsf-trustees-need-to-know/

If you are an SMSF trustee or member seeking further advice or assistance regarding the management of your SMSF, please contact a member of our Wills, Trusts & Estates team below.

Rachael Grabovic, Partner & Notary Public, on +61 3 9321 7826
Christian Teese, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7983
Thalia Livadaras, Special Counsel, on +61 3 9321 7881
Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7892
Ashwin Reddy, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7868
Jenna Bayindir, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7891

The Federal Government's new Division 296 tax regime, which commenced on 1 July 2026, represents one of the most significant changes to the taxation of superannuation in recent years. While the rules are aimed at individuals with very large superannuation balances, their impact will be felt most acu...

25/08/2026

Customs & Trade alert: Trade 2040 — Navigating turbulence

In recent years, the international supply chain has been subject to some serious challenges, including the insolvency of a major shipping line, the COVID-19 pandemic, closures of shipping channels and a series of armed conflicts, including the ongoing US and Iran conflict.

The tariff measures introduced by the second Trump administration have also generated significant uncertainty and heightened risk in global markets. Retaliatory actions by affected countries have amplified the impact of these tariffs, while also encouraging other nations to adopt measures reflecting protectionism and national interest.‌

These developments have coincided with a perceived decrease in support for the multilateral rules-based trading system. While the perception that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) no longer has value is far from correct, the fundamental principles and operation of the WTO continue to support fair international trade and the WTO still represents the primary international body in trade, even though all parties (including the WTO) recognise that changes are needed.

In our latest Customs & Trade news alert, Andrew Hudson outlines how Australia’s Trade 2040 roadmap seeks to strengthen trade resilience, support economic growth and navigate increasing global uncertainty.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/trade-2040-navigating-turbulence/

For guidance on Australia’s Trade 2040 agenda and how your business can prepare for the challenges ahead, please contact a member of our Customs & Trade team below.

Andrew Hudson, Partner on +61 3 9321 7851
Gigi Hancock, Lawyer on +61 3 9321 7806

A version of this article was published in the August/September 2026 edition of The DCN.

In our latest Customs & Trade news alert, Andrew Hudson outlines how Australia’s Trade 2040 roadmap seeks to strengthen trade resilience, support economic growth and navigate increasing global uncertainty.