In Part 1 of this three-part series, Velocity Legal's Senior Associate Rosalind Lee joins Andrew Henshaw to unpack the controversial Vacant Residential Land Tax in Victoria.

From its origins in inner Melbourne to its sweeping expansion across the state, learn what this tax is, how it works, and what property owners need to know. If you own land in Victoria, this episode is a must-listen to avoid costly surprises. 

Learn everything you need to know about the changes in Vacant Residential Land Tax from 1 January 2025 in our blog: https://www.velocitylegal.com.au/blog/reminder---vacant-residential-land-tax-in-victoria-will-be-expanding-from-1-january-2025 Get to know us more at https://www.velocitylegal.com.au/ 

In the final instalment of our insolvency series, Director Demian Walton unpacks the high-stakes world of pre-pack insolvency transactions—a powerful tool for rescuing distressed businesses when done right, but one that can trigger serious legal and regulatory consequences if misused.

Damien explores what makes a lawful corporate restructure, how to steer clear of illegal phoenixing, and what recent Corporations Act amendments mean for directors and advisers. If you’re supporting clients through financial distress, this episode delivers clear, practical guidance on managing insolvency risk, avoiding director liability, and protecting creditor interests.

Discover more or connect with us at www.velocitylegal.com.au

Director and insolvency expert Demian Walton returns to unpack the formal insolvency pathways available to distressed businesses. This episode is essential listening for accountants, lawyers, and professional advisers with clients facing financial pressure.

In this episode, Damien and Andrew cover:

• The rise of Small Business Restructures (SBRs) and the ATO’s role in their growing use
• How Voluntary Administration (VA) and Deeds of Company Arrangement (DOCA) work
• When to consider a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
• Options for clients who don’t qualify for SBRs or can’t afford VA
• Commercial strategies from experienced insolvency practitioners

Essential listening for advisers dealing with business debt, company liquidation, ATO debt recovery, and clients needing clear, practical insolvency advice.

Learn more or connect with our team at www.velocitylegal.com.au

In Part 1 of this three-part series, commercial litigator and insolvency expert Demian Walton joins Managing Director Andrew Henshaw to dissect the concept of insolvency.

The conversation delves into how financial statements can misrepresent solvency, particularly when company assets are tied up in shareholder transactions or related party transactions. These arrangements often intersect with Division 7A, where informal loan agreements and unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) can give rise to deemed dividends—triggering significant tax consequences for both companies and directors.

With the ATO’s scrutiny and audits intensifying, this episode highlights how integrity measures and compliance with benchmark interest rates are critical to avoiding breaches. The discussion also addresses the potential relief available under Section 109RB, and how poor structuring or delayed action can lead to statutory demands, Director Penalty Notices (DPNs), and personal exposure for directors.

This is a must-listen for professionals navigating the risks of corporate distress in today’s high-debt, post-COVID business landscape, where the intersection of insolvency law and tax risk is increasingly under the spotlight.

Get to know us more at https://www.velocitylegal.com.au/

When a company fails to meet its tax obligations, the consequences for directors can be personal and severe. In this episode of Explain That by Velocity Legal, we discuss the ins and outs of the Director Penalty Notice Australia regime with Director Seamus Ryan and Senior Associate Sascha Kenny.

We break down the ATO’s Director Penalty Regime, exploring the difference between Lockdown DPNs and Non-Lockdown DPNs, and what practical steps directors can take within the strict 21-day deadline. You'll learn how the ATO holds directors personally liable for unpaid PAYG withholding, Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) penalties, and GST director personal liability—and why understanding this is critical in 2025 and beyond.

Got questions? Connect with us at www.velocitylegal.com.au

Understanding how to reduce CGT on property sale can make a six-figure difference. In this episode of Explain That, host Andrew Henshaw and Tyson Bateman unpack the powerful — and often misunderstood — CGT concessions for small business that can save business owners, farmers, and landowners thousands when selling land.

With soaring land values in regional and urban fringe areas, and the ATO increasing its scrutiny of CGT claims, knowing how to apply the small business tax relief rules is more important than ever.

Listen now to gain practical insights on capital gains tax on selling land, protecting your wealth, and using legal strategies that deliver real results.

Connect with us at https://www.velocitylegal.com.au/

Unfair contract terms aren't new – but in 2025, the consequences are. In this episode, Lauren Gross, Senior Associate at Velocity Legal, joins Andrew to unpack the evolving unfair contract terms in Australia and what it means for businesses.

In this episode of Explained That, Lauren Gross, Senior Associate at Velocity Legal, joins Andrew Henshaw to break down the latest updates to Australia’s unfair contract terms regime and what it means for businesses, advisers, and in-house legal teams.

Listen now to learn practical insights to help you stay compliant, avoid risk, and draft better contracts.

In this episode of Explain That by Velocity Legal, host Andrew welcomes back Brad Marland, Director at Velocity Legal, to unpack the commercial leasing landscape in 2025.

With businesses navigating a tenant-friendly market, Brad reveals the biggest red flags in lease agreements, from make good clauses and outgoing traps to relocation risks and rent review strategies.

Whether you're a tenant, adviser, or landlord, this practical conversation delivers critical insights for negotiating smarter and avoiding hidden costs. Perfect for business owners, property managers, and commercial agents alike.

Connect with us at https://www.velocitylegal.com.au/

In this episode, we introduce Brad Marland, Velocity Legal’s newest director and a leading expert in property and commercial law. Join us as we explore his journey in the legal industry, his approach to solving complex property and commercial matters, and what clients can expect from his expertise. Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes transaction or looking for strategic legal insights, Brad’s got you covered.

In Part 2 of our Division 7A series, our speakers unpack the landmark Federal Court decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel. If you advise business owners, this episode is worth listening to — revealing how the ruling reshapes the treatment of unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) and the compliance risks that follow.

We’ll cover:

• What UPEs really are (and why they’ve been misunderstood)

• What the Bendel decision changes – and what it doesn’t

• Subdivision EA risks: why you're not “home and hosed” yet

• What business owners, accountants and tax advisers should do next

• Whether legislative reform is coming (and what to watch for)

Learn more about us at https://www.velocitylegal.com.au/