Workers compensation is designed to protect people when they’re injured at work. But if you’re an independent contractor in Queensland, things aren’t always straightforward. Many contractors assume they’re covered the same way as employees, only to find out after an accident that the rules are very different. This confusion can have huge consequences. Getting it … Read more
Queensland courts can accept informal Wills—documents that don’t meet all the usual legal formalities, like having two witnesses. But getting one recognised can be challenging, expensive, and far from guaranteed. So, what counts as “informal”? Take, for example, a son who discovers a draft email on his late father’s computer. In the message, the father … Read more
Bicycle accidents can be life-altering. Whether you’re hit by a car or injured due to a dangerous footpath or road condition, the consequences can be serious. Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Unlike drivers, they don’t have airbags or steel frames for protection. When accidents happen, the resulting injuries can be severe, long-lasting, … Read more
Revoking a power of attorney becomes important when that trusted person starts making decisions against your wishes, mishandling your finances, or simply isn’t the right fit anymore. What was meant to protect you shouldn’t leave you feeling powerless. The good news is Queensland law recognises this, and provides clear, actionable steps to help you regain … Read more
While physical activity and outdoor recreation promote good health, they also lead to thousands of sports injuries across Australia each year. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reported that in 2021-2022, approximately 56,000 sports-related injuries were serious enough to require hospitalisation. This highlights the significant impact these incidents have on the sporting community. … Read more
Estate planning is often misunderstood as something only wealthy and elderly people need. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you own a family home, a business, or simply have superannuation or children to care for, having a sound estate plan is essential. In Queensland, failing to get it right can result in … Read more
After a successful workers’ compensation claim in Queensland, returning to work involves more than just showing up. It’s supported by legal protections, structured planning, and clear responsibilities for both employers and employees. In 2024, Safe Work Australia recorded over 139,000 serious work injury claims, with the average time off work sitting at around 7 weeks. … Read more
An enduring power of attorney (EPA) is a legal document in which you choose who will make decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. In Queensland, enduring powers of attorney are governed by the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 (Qld), which is read together with the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld). This … Read more
If you’ve suffered a psychological injury due to sexual harassment at work, you may be entitled to workers compensation. Sexual harassment can cause serious emotional and mental harm, and the law recognises this. In this article, we explain your rights, how the workers compensation system applies to sexual harassment, and what steps you need to … Read more
Not wearing a seatbelt in Queensland can lead to serious safety risks, legal penalties, and reduced compensation after an accident. The research is clear: seatbelts reduce the risk of death by 50%. Although 98% of respondents to a 2023 study claimed they always wore seat belts, 2% still represented more than 79,000 Queensland drivers, based … Read more
Protecting your estate from family provision applications in Queensland requires strategic planning, especially since 77% of claims are successful. While you can’t completely prevent someone from contesting your Will, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful claim with the right approach. This article explores ten proven strategies to safeguard your legacy and ensure … Read more
What happens to my pet when I die? It’s a question more Australians are asking as pets become cherished family members. Without a clear plan, your beloved animal could end up in a shelter, with strangers, or even be put down. That’s why including your pet in your estate planning isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s … Read more
In 2024, the average temperature in Queensland climbed to 31.3°C, 1.4°C higher than the average from 1960 to 1990. In these temperatures, working in the heat presents serious health risks for thousands of workers across industries, especially during summer. From construction sites to farms, factories to schools, heat-related illnesses affect productivity and can lead to … Read more
There is no question about it—everyone must make a Will to secure their legacy. However, it’s equally important that a person fully understands the nature and consequences of their decisions when creating one. What happens, though, if their mental capacity was impaired at the time? In Queensland, proving a lack of testamentary capacity is not … Read more
Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related deaths in the world, a legacy of the country’s extensive use of asbestos before its 2003 nationwide ban. Estimates show that asbestos-related diseases account for 4000 deaths in Australia each year, according to a 2023 paper published in Sustainability. For Queensland workers who have developed diseases … Read more
In this information age, we store a significant part of our lives online—our finances, memories, businesses, and entertainment. As a result, estate planning for digital assets has evolved from a niche concern to a vital aspect of modern estate planning in Australia. According to Statista, the number of Australian digital asset users is expected to … Read more
At ROC Legal, we recently achieved a significant victory in the Supreme Court of Queensland, securing a just outcome for our client in a complex estate dispute. Justice Treston’s decision reinforces fundamental principles of estate administration and the court’s power to intervene when executors fail to fulfill their duties. Case Background Our firm represented an … Read more
Motor vehicle accidents are a grim reality on Queensland’s roads, with 302 fatalities recorded in 2024—the highest toll in over a decade. Further, in 2022-2023 around 75% of transport accidents involved cars, according to the AIHW. Globally, these accidents cause more than 1.35 million deaths every year. But behind these stark figures lie a larger, … Read more
When an illness or injury keeps you from working, financial stress can make a tough situation even harder. Total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection claims offer crucial support, but they serve different purposes. Knowing how they work—and whether you can claim both—can help secure your future. Here’s what you need to know. Understanding … Read more
The most common TPD claims in Australia involve mental health conditions and musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic back pain and arthritis. Injuries, cancer, heart disease, stroke and neurological conditions account for many of the rest. According to the Council of Australian Life Insurers, almost one in three TPD claims in 2024 were for mental health … Read more
