Dreamworld fatal accident: ‘Industrial manslaughter’ to be made offence in Queensland

Dreamworld fatal accident: ‘Industrial manslaughter’ to be made offence in Queensland

Industrial manslaughter is set to become a criminal offence in Queensland following an independent review prompted by the death of four people on a Dreamworld water ride last year. Two men and two women were killed on the Thunder River Rapids ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast when the ride malfunctioned, throwing two people out and trapping two inside. […]

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Laws already exist to handle so-called offences of “industrial manslaughter”

Laws already exist to handle so-called offences of “industrial manslaughter”

Queensland’s peak solicitor body objects to the State Government’s plan to introduce the new criminal offence of “industrial manslaughter”, saying adequate laws already exist to cover such behaviour. Queensland Law Society President Christine Smyth said the proposed changes to workplace health and safety laws were unwarranted because the Act and the State’s Criminal Code already provided offences, including manslaughter, to […]

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Law Society Warns Against Will Kits

Law Society Warns Against Will Kits

The Queensland Law Society (QLS) has issued a warning against do-it-yourself will kits. The warning comes in the wake of a recent case where a deceased RAAF mechanic’s new girlfriend walked away with the bulk of his superannuation, despite the fact he had a will that named another woman as sole executor and beneficiary of his estate. “A large percentage […]

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Christine Smyth

QLS backs changes to legislation protecting community from nefarious tow-truck operations

Queensland Law Society president Christine Smyth has welcomed proposed sensible legislative changes aimed at clamping down on disreputable tow-truck operators from ripping off the public when parking on private premises. The Queensland Government today (Monday Aug 7) endorsed a report recommendation changes to legislation that would cap fees for operators and ensure they were properly licensed with acceptable behaviour towards […]

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Christine Smyth

Pretend “Gumtree” lawyer’s bark muzzled by court to the tune of $2500

Queensland’s peak legal body has fired a warning shot at uncertified “Gumtree’’ gun advisers after one was fined $2500 for advertising to give legal advice under the guise he was legally permitted to do so. Christine Smyth, Queensland Law Society President said there was growing concern in the legal profession consumers are being duped into taking “cheap’’ or “free” advice […]

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QLS praises Victorian Government for appointment of first solicitor to top role

QLS praises Victorian Government for appointment of first solicitor to top role

Queensland Law Society president Christine Smyth has praised the Victorian Government for their forward thinking in the appointment of the first solicitor to the role of Chief Justice, Justice Ann Ferguson. “On behalf of 12,000 Queensland solicitors, I commend Justice Ferguson on this impressive and deserved appointment and praise the Victorian Government for their foresight in this decision,” she said. […]

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Christine Smyth

Elder abuse awareness campaign garners support from community

Queensland Law Society’s recent awareness campaign highlighting the abuse of our elderly has seen an increase of community understanding and led to more victims seeking support. The trial campaign was launched on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as a joint initiative between QLS and the Australian Medical Association Queensland. The trial was spread across GP clinics in north Brisbane with […]

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