NBN Co has officially ruled out plans for increasing the prices charged to regional users over those in metropolitan areas.
The news came less than a day after the initial proposal was flagged by the company, and was following an abrupt declaration by the Communications Minister in charge.
Minister Mitch Fifield said that the Government was going to ensure that the pricing would continue to be equivalent between fixed line and wireless connections.
Mr Fifield said that the Labor party was claiming that NBN Co was planning to “charge more for fixed wireless” and that “this will not occur”.
During a Wednesday evening Parliamentary Committee, CFO of NBN Co, Stephen Rue, said that the new fixed wireless costs would commence as of Monday.
This meant that the same plan that would charge $45 in metropolitan areas would charge $65 to those using fixed wireless tech.
Labor MPs since held a press conference calling for the Government to put a stop to the proposal, directly prompting a response from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
He said that there was no $65 fee for fixed wireless connections, citing the confusion as a “consultation’ issue”.
He went on to say that the added cost was easy to “just wipe off” so that there would be no difference between rural and city bills at the end of the day.
However, Labor communications spokesperson Michelle Rowland said that it was a “humiliation” for the Federal Communications Minister.
Around 250,000 Australians, the majority in regional locations, use the NBN via the fixed wireless system.
According to the numbers, NBN Co has raised nearly $2 billion throughout 2017 and 2018. The cost per house for each fixed wireless connection rose marginally in 2017, mostly because of the need for new technology to tackle congestion.
While these pricing changes have been defeated, NBN Co is still rumoured to be considering a new ‘fair use policy’ that would better manage the limited capacity of regional towers.
The red ironbark is a type of eucalyptus tree from the myrtle family. Also called Mugga ironbark, it is native to Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, Australia. It mostly grows on the plains, slopes, and hillsides with well-drained, shallow, gravelly, and clayey soils.
Ironbark seems to do well where there is sufficient sun. Apart from being a reliable source of firewood, ironbark is also used in the production of essential oils and used for ornamental reasons. Are you looking for red ironbark firewood for sale? How about you start by understanding some of its most fascinating facts?
Red ironbark is propagated through seeds which begin to germinate at 20⁰C in 5 days. It cannot sprout from cuttings.
The perennial plant survives more than fifteen years in the desert.
The firewood comes from a medium-sized evergreen tree with a broad crown and weeping branches.
Red ironbark wood is extremely durable and is used for manufacturing furniture as well as firewood.
The leaves of ironbark tree may be bluish-green, grayish green, and lance-shaped. They turn to bronze and never shed during cold months. The leaves are stable foods for koala bears.
The thick bark is deeply furrowed and full of red resin. It can sometimes be black or dark brown.
The tree produces pink, yellowish, or white feathery perfect flowers which are umbrella-shaped and full of nectar thereby attracting a lot of bees and birds during winter.
The blooming period of the red ironbark is May – November.
The fruit is a woody capsule that resembles a wine glass.
Benefits of using ironbark wood for burning
Buying the correct type of firewood is imperative if you need a comfortable and clean burn. You want to use your fireplace in the most cost-effective manner possible. For this matter, there are many reasons to shop for ironbark firewood in Sydney.
If your fireplace is your primary source of heating, you should get dense and dry wood like the red ironbark. The firewood has an extremely dry density hence it burns slowly for a long time without producing much smoke. This means you will not spend too much money on lighting up your fireplace year-round.
By choosing ironbark, you participate in conserving Mother Nature. First, you save money you could have used to buy tons of useless firewood and secondly, you keep your storage space. Since ironbark burns longer, you don’t need to stack up your gallery with tons of firewood pieces.
Unlike softwood that burns quickly even before heating up your living space, ironbark is very economical. So, it is a sustainable solution that keeps deforestation at a bare minimum. The cutting down of ironbark trees has no significant effect on the environment. Therefore, you will not feel guilty about damaging the planet by using this type of fuel.
However, it is important to buy ironbark firewood for burning from reputable suppliers who are crystal-clear regarding how they harvest the firewood.
The wood is only eco-friendly is sources ethically and through the right environmental procedures. Always take your time to review a supplier before buying from them.
It is also important to ask how the firewood was seasoned. The natural density of the hardwood is impressive, but you also want to know what happened to the sap during cutting.
Ensure that the supplier understands your heating requirements so that they can give you the fuel you can use immediately instead of something that takes months to dry completely. Don’t forget to compare costs. It is better to buy from an established business that doesn’t pass most of its operating expenses to consumers as small businesses do.
The most impressive fact about Ironwood is the ability to generate mesmerizing fire. You will come to appreciate this quality and will never want to buy another form of wood. Enjoy your winter with steady burning and exciting popping sounds of ironbark in your fireplace!
Uber has enjoyed rapid growth and success since entering Australia in 2012. Over 3.7 million Australians aged over the age of 14 travelled by Uber in the last quarter of 2017.
This was up from less than 1 million users just under two years ago. Clearly, there’s no sign of the popular ride sharing app losing popularity any time soon.
Uber is a great business opportunity for many Australians, but not everyone is eligible. Uber prides itself on its driver standards, and you’ll need to show your vehicle is up to scratch to qualify. This is where a REVS check is absolutely vital.
If you want to start driving for Uber and are thinking of getting a car just for the gig, a REVS check will provide almost all of the information you need to decide.
Here’s what to look for when choosing an Uber vehicle:
Photo: Maridav, BS
Are they comfortable?
When you’re driving people around for a living, it’s important to ensure your ride is comfortable. Ample leg room and adjustable seats are a must. Test drive the cars you consider for at least an hour; it’ll give you a great idea of how comfortable they are for you and your passengers.
How much will repairs cost?
Uber cars get a lot of use, which means wear and tear, which means maintenance. Look for models you know will be quick, easy, and affordable to keep maintained.
What’s the condition of the vehicle?
Uber vehicles need to have no cosmetic damage on them. They provide a checklist of things to check on your vehicle before you even get to the official inspection:
Tyre tread depth must be 1.5 mm or more.
Headlights, indicator lights, break lights and hazard lights must all be in working condition.
The body of the vehicle must be presentable and in good condition.
Make sure your car isn’t leaking fuel or oil.
What’s the history of the car?
A REVS Check provides you a comprehensive history report on the vehicle you’re inspecting. Just by entering the VIN on any page of this website, you can find out the manufacturing details, whether there’s money owing, stolen and write-off history, and more about almost any vehicle.
What’s the car’s safety like?
Photo: Monkey, BS
You should always be concerned about the safety of a vehicle you purchase. This goes doubly when considering an Uber vehicle, as you’ll also be responsible for other people’s safety. The vehicle’s Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating will provide you with the car’s safety information.
A 5-star ANCAP safety rating means it has achieved the highest possible results in all safety functions and features.
When was the car made?
Uber’s vehicle requirements state that a car must be no older than 10 years old. In 2018, that means you cannot use a car from 2007 or earlier. The REVS Check will tell you the year of manufacture of the vehicle for you to check.
What type of Uber vehicle do you want to drive?
Different Uber car categories come with different requirements and earning potential. For example, in Sydney there are nine different vehicle options. These range from standard UberX, all the way to luxury UberSUV. Requirements are more stringent for the latter and slightly looser for the former.
For UberX, the minimum vehicle requirements are that it:
Has no commercial branding (such as banners along the side).
Has no visible damage, as discuss above.
Has at least four doors.
Has less than eight seats total.
Passes a full vehicle inspection.
Has current and valid registration and CTP insurance
Has functioning windows and air conditioning
A REVS Check makes it easy to ensure your car hits all of the necessary benchmarks and avoid potential complications later. To get your comprehensive REVS Check today, simply enter the VIN of a vehicle into any page on this website, pay the nominal fee, and hit submit. You’ll receive your report in no time.
Vinod Ramchandra Jadhav is an Indian born entrepreneur and key business leader, having managed and worked on an impressive portfolio of successful projects. Focusing on pharmaceutical supply chains, energy efficient smart products and charity work, he has developed a strong understanding of underlying principles and recipes for success.
More information about Vindod’s projects and contribution can be found at his professional website. We asked Vinod some questions about his background and experiences.
What was your best / favorite subject in school?
Mathematics and physics were my favorite subjects in school. I also enjoyed English as a language course during my school days.
What was your first job?
In 1991, I joined Larsen & Toubro Limited as a trainee engineer. Initially, I was a service engineer trainee, but then I was trained for technical sales in spare parts for earth moving equipment. However, I then went on to handle a lot of commercial activities, thus leaving my engineering knowledge in the background.
Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
To start something on my own, I started with a medicine shop that was an international franchise store in Pune (India) in 2001 as I had very limited capital.
Over a period of time, my knowledge of medicine and supply chain management combined with more than 13 years’ professional experience in techno commercial facets of business and international taxation exposure helped me establish a pharmaceutical export house in 2003 with the first breakthrough coming from exports to Fiji.
How have these jobs prepared you for what you do now?
I have been able to run my current businesses using my 13 years of corporate experience in the field of supply chain management, international taxation, and export-import laws.
Describe the best day you’ve ever had.
On 19th March 2007, when I left India to set up international trading abroad, it unshackled the business from Indian bureaucracy, a “poor business environment,” and put it on a growth path without limits. That day will be remembered as a turning point.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Setting new goals (not necessarily financial ones) in terms of how many lives the business can touch keeps me motivated.
What kind of business ideas excite you most?
Businesses which achieve successes through efficient supply chain management and optimize profits with efficient supply chain strategies are exciting to me.
Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
One can only do so much to address the needs of their market and expand their business. However, a business can also be built by creating a demand for new concepts in the supply chain and by expanding operational territories and going beyond geography to maximize efficiency. I have tried this unorthodox approach with some success in the past.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Establishing myself as a first-generation entrepreneur in 2003 and then achieving the coveted best merchant exporter award in 2010, which was one of the highlights of my career.
What wisdom would you have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
Focusing on strengths while expanding the business is the key to success. Expansion without in-depth knowledge of the sector or market is likely to result in failure and disappointment.
Both sides of Parliament have condemned Fraser Anning for a speech in which he used Nazi rhetoric and advocated for a return to the White Australia Policy.
In his maiden speech to Parliament, the Queensland Senator called for a total overhaul of Australia’s immigration system, insisting that Australia return to an ethnically homogenous society of European Christians.
In the speech, Senator Anning used the phrase “final solution” when referring to Muslims, which has been roundly condemned as a deliberate nod to the rhetoric of Adolf Hitler, who spoke of a ‘final solution to the Jewish problem’.
Senator Anning then called for a nationwide vote on which groups should be allowed to enter Australia.
Unsurprisingly, Senator Anning has been met with strong criticism from both sides of the political divide, with the Prime Minister calling the speech a “shocking insult” to Holocaust victims and survivors.
Despite the criticism, Senator Anning is unapologetic whilst his party leader Bob Katter openly defends the speech, saying that it was “everything that this country should be doing”.
When challenged regarding his use of the phrase ‘final solution’, Senator Anning told the media that he had not seriously considered his use of it.
Senator Anning has insisted that the phrase was not deliberately used and that his words were being taken out of context by “thought police”.
He said that the phrase was “never meant to denigrate the Jewish community” and that if anyone was offended by “two words” then “that is the way it has to be”.
Many other MPs took the floor to condemn Senator Anning’s speech, with many openly shedding tears.
Prime Minister Turnbull notably refuted Senator Annings’ call for a Muslim ban by asserting that the majority of the victims of Islamic terrorism were in fact Muslim themselves.
You have worked hard and put in your best efforts in developing your iPhone app, but its success totally depends on the user experience it will offer. This user experience needs to be tested before the actual launch of the app. The quality of your iPhone app is the deciding factor that determines user retention and engagement. You can also update your iPhone apps easily and fast with the release of new versions of iOS if you have your testing methods set in place. Thus, it is very important to hire an iPhone application developer that tests your iPhone app before setting it out for the launch.
iOS apps are easy to update. Photo: Jeshootscom, Pixabay
What is automated testing?
Automated testing, as the name indicates, is based on a set of pre-scripted tests that are run automatically. The purpose is to compare the expected and actual results, as in any other form of testing, to determine the performance of the application. After implementing changes, automated testing can be used to analyse the performance by executing repetitive tasks and regression tests.
Automated tests are an important part of test-driven development (TDD) characterized by writing test cases for each unit (unit tests) before writing the actual code. These unit tests are run after the code is written, and based on the outputs of these tests, there may need to refactor the code or add and execute new tests. The TDD approach helps us in integrating testing into each unit and builds quality applications rapidly.
Some of the quality assurance (QA) tests that can be automated include the unit testing (discrete parts or units of the app are tested), functional testing (the functional aspects of the app such as compliance, accuracy, suitability, inter-operability and security are tested), regression testing (application performance is tested after implementing changes or integrating with other software), graphical user interface (GUI) testing (app interface is tested to check if the GUI meets all requirements).
Why is automated testing needed?
Less manpower is consumed: By using scripts and tools to carry out the tests automatically much less manpower is needed for testing.
Time is saved: Time-consuming tasks can be handled using regression tests. New bugs can be identified effortlessly, and other repetitive tasks can be completed in much less time using automated tests.
Risk of human error eliminated: The code is made more reliable with automated tests as the tools and scripts used are highly reliable and efficient.
Advanced GUI testing: The behaviour of the app GUI in different platforms (such as different operating systems or different web browsers) can be detected and recorded using the automated GUI tests. Regression errors can also be effectively detected using automated GUI testing.
Testing load and performance: In order to test the capacity and performance, there is no known manual alternative till now. Automated tests can, however, simulate many simultaneous users to test it.
What is manual testing?
Manual testing, as is clear from the word, is performed by QA specialists to ensure the proper working of applications using the conditions written in test cases. Specific functionalities cannot be tested automatically and thus manual testing is significant. In fact, it is ideal to check your iPhone app manually before performing any automated tests as it is a practical and time-tested way for catching all basic and new flaws that may turn up. As 100% automation of the testing process is impossible, manual testing is needed despite automation. Moreover, manual testing is an effective quality check for the iPhone apps.
Most of the tests that focus on usability and interface should be performed manually. Some of the tests that are difficult or impossible to automate and need manual testing include ad hoc testing (executed randomly to test functionality without any written test cases and preparation), exploratory testing (performed by designing test cases based on personal experience after having the full picture of the feature of the product), user interface testing (tests and validates the design, properties, and states of interface elements to ensure that they match elements in the final layout).
What to choose when?
While automated testing has no match in speed and accuracy, it can’t catch everything, and manual testing is practical and time-tested in such cases. So, you need to decide what to a testing method to choose and when to choose it. Here is an outline for the same.
Automated testing is preferred when:
After an iPhone app is manually tested and the user feedbacks implemented to create the final version, code test cases are prepared for regression (needed when new versions of platforms are released, development tools and libraries are updated, and after a bug is fixed) and cross-platform testing (needed with different varieties of platforms). As Apple is speedily moving its user base to new releases, any delays in updating the apps can cause great loss.
Manual testing is preferred when:
Manual testing is performed during the development phases of an iPhone app. When new functionalities are being added to the iPhone app or single function is added, manual testing is the preferred choice. For early and quick validation of the code and hardware features, manual testing is the best option. The icon, appearance, externals, texts, data and other content, object placements and proportions, UI consistency, design standards, and other aesthetic aspects are best when tested manually. Moreover, manual testing is an economic and better option for short-term projects. All non-automatable cases such as hardware-related tests (such as for screens, touchpads, sensors, etc.) are tested manually as writing scripts for testing them with automated tests is not possible.
To conclude
Developing and testing iPhone mobile apps is a balancing act where deployment and planning need to go hand in hand. Though iPhone app development times may increase for app developers with manual testing, comprehensive functional and regression tests used for automated testing can decrease this time considerably. Considering the budget and functionalities needed, either a hybrid or individual approach should be used for testing.
Domestic issues can be extremely complex and often involve layers of consideration regarding their impact and consequences for the affected parties. For this reason, family law has been established to protect and serve your rights during domestic conflicts.
Issues such as child support, property settlements, divorce, child custody, spousal support are covered by legislation to ensure just outcomes for the individual. However, it can be hard to navigate the nuances of family law— especially when you are already under the emotional stress of a domestic conflict.
For this reason, it is important that you find a good family lawyer in Palmerston to assist you with your legalities during this hard time. Regardless of your situation, a good family lawyer should be communicative, professional, and knowledgeable in order to make the process of your legal dealings as seamless as possible.
The amount of financial support, child custody, and visitation rights you gain will be determined by a legal process. Finding a trustworthy family lawyer is vital for you to ease this process of sorting out the legal consequences of your domestic conflict and ensuring they match up to what you want.
One of the oldest legal practices in the region, Ward Keller provides services to clients across the entire Northern Territory, with offices in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Casuarina and Nhulunbu.
Ward Keller is a great firm to choose if you’re seeking a firm that is both easily accessible – with a local branch in Palmerston – and established. The firm deals with family law amongst a variety of other areas, such as employment law and worker’s compensation.
Established in 1963, Ward Keller’s brand of legal services has been built over the years. Their six partners and conveyancers across their branches have nearly 50 years of service between them at Ward Keller.
One of the only six Australian law firms to be a part of Lawyers Associated Worldwide, Ward Keller’s involvement comes as a result of demonstrating a high degree of excellence and expertise in their legal services.
The family lawyers at Ward Keller provide services encompassing financial agreements and matters, property settlements, divorce, consent orders, and child support. With an understanding for the differences of each family’s situation, Ward Keller tailors their services to suit your individual circumstances.
The lawyers at Ward Keller are professional while having regard for the personal impact of domestic conflict upon your life. Ward Keller is focussed on achieving the best outcome and easiest legal process for you, and consequently aims to resolve issues without having to proceed to court.
With an understanding of the mental impact of family law issues, Ward Keller seeks to resolve the situations with minimal financial and emotional stress. Personalised and transparent communication often establishes a healthy connection so that Ward Keller’s family lawyers understand the outcome you desire.
Consultations with Ward Keller lawyers are available for you to test the waters before making a full commitment with the firm. An initial consultation costs $110 (inclusive of GST) and includes understanding your legal situation and providing some preliminary advice. All further costs will be discussed based on each client’s individual situation.
A well-established law firm, Ward Keller aims to provide you with the necessary family legal advice to simplify the legalities of your domestic conflict and allow all parties to move past the situation at hand.
Torney Legal
Screenshot taken: 15/08/2018
A specialised family law practice, Torney Legal is based in Palmerston, allowing for their accessibility and convenience to those living in the area. The legal practice director, Camel Torney, has extensive legal experience and is an Accredited Family Law Specialist.
Well-involved in the legal community, Torney is a part of the Law Society of WA, Law Society of NT, Law Council of Australia – Family Law Section and the Family Law Practitioners Association (WA). Torney Legal undertakes Legal Aid funded work and helps clients who require Legal Aid grants.
Being a family law firm, Torney Legal is a good alternative to other law firms which offer a broad range of services due to their specific focus on domestic issues. Torney Legal is community-based and easy to access for Palmerston residents, providing a high degree of communication.
If you prefer interacting with small businesses in your local community as a resident in Palmerston, Torney Legal is a great option. Client-minded, the local Palmerston law firm aims to provide cost transparency for clients, offering a range of fixed cost services to reduce the uncertainty around the price of legal advice.
Knowledgeable of each domestic situation having its differences, Torney Legal emphasises a personalised service so as to provide the best advice possible for every client. The family law firm in Palmerston seeks to offer realistic and practical services to reconcile an individual’s desires with the legal consequences of their case.
Torney Legal focuses on the cordial and fast resolution of family law matters to allow all parties to move on from the situation and progress with their lives. For this reason, the firm aims to facilitate family dispute resolutions amicably out of court, but when necessary, is capable of advising and representing clients in Family Court matters.
An initial consultation of an hour is available for the price of $330 (inclusive of GST), where you can determine the firm’s suitability for you. This session will include understanding and providing legal advice and a preliminary action plan for your situation, and the estimation of further costs if necessary.
If you are looking for a local firm who can help your situation with their specialised knowledge of domestic issues, Torney Legal is a great choice for a family lawyer in Palmerston.
DS Family Law
Screenshot taken: 15/08/2018
Consulting from Darwin for different areas around the Northern Territory region including Palmerston, DS Family Law deals specifically with domestic legal issues and has the expertise of several specialist family lawyers on their team.
Founded in 2004, DS Family Law exclusively deals with family law issues in the Northern Territory. Their firm’s specific focus allows for a degree of specialisation in family law matters and local legal requirements.
Dealing with a diverse range of domestic issues such as consent orders, divorce, child support, property settlements, asset protection, adoption and surrogacy, DS Family Law aims to provide their clients with a high level of legal expertise for every family law issue.
With a consideration of the complexity and emotional impact of domestic issues, The DS Family Law team looks to gain an understanding of each situation in order to offer practical advice and solutions while demonstrating a degree of empathy.
The lawyers at DS Family Law seek to resolve complex matters out of court through negotiation and mediation for an easier legal process for the client. However, if the situation rises, the experienced lawyers at DS Family Law offer client representation and services in family court.
DS Family Law understands that family law is a complex matter and a one size fits all policy cannot be applied in any circumstance. Consequently, its family lawyers tailor their advice and services after getting a thorough understanding of your situation and offer different settlement solutions.
DS Family law also allows for client correspondence via telephone or Skype meetings to ensure they are accessible to you and provide alternatives if you are unable to make it to their office. The lawyers deal with cases of different scales and sizes and are able to connect you with other professionals such as accountants, brokers, or financial planners.
With specialised services for family legal issues and an emphasis on cost transparency and reduction, DS Family Law is a great choice if you are looking for family lawyers in Palmerston.
James McConvill & Associates
Screenshot taken: 15/08/2018
With a local branch in Palmerston, James McConvill & Associates is a legal firm that specialises in family law. Their team is focused on providing innovative and flexible services with a high degree of expertise.
The firm seeks to deliver personalised services to all clients with the understanding that every family issue and situation is different. Providing flexible and sensible advice, the lawyers at James McCovill & Associates offer a truthful picture of the situation to help clients better prepare for a potential outcome.
The team at James McCovill & Associates focus on personal communication to better understand clients and their requirements before offering any solutions. This puts them in a strong position to ensure that clients are getting the right advice at every step.
James McConvill & Associates lawyers are experienced in all family law matters, including complex property issues whether in or out of court. Every family lawyer from the firm works hard to ensure the best outcome for clients and seeks to do so by offering practical advice from the outset.
The lawyers actively seek to remain updated on any changes to local family laws in the Northern Territory region. This enables them to provide the right advice to clients for their situations. They also offer a range of settlement options to clients for quick and seamless family law issue resolutions.
In order to be accessible to their clients, the lawyers are available via phone, face-to-face meetings and email. James McConvill & Associates emphasise price transparency with fixed fee services and a free initial consultation with their lawyers for you to gain a better understanding of your legal situation before proceeding.
Additionally, the lawyers can also visit clients in their desired locations, including at offices or homes, based on their convenience. Weekend meetings are available and a same day enquiry form provides a quick response for those who want a quick consultation on a tight schedule.
If you are looking for a firm specialising in family law that is easily accessible and is able to respond to your situation quickly, James McConvill & Associates is a great option for family lawyers in Palmerston.
Story & Associates
Screenshot taken: 15/08/2018
Started in Palmerston in 2003 by David Story as a single law practitioner, Story & Associates has grown and expanded to cater to demand from people looking for assistance in different parts of the Northern Territory region.
David Story has been a legal practitioner since 1978 and has been practicing law in the Northern Territory region for the last 16 years. He has experience in several areas including family law, and is qualified as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Other experienced lawyers on the Story & Associates team include Julie Holtham, an Independent Children’s lawyer on the Legal Aid Panel of the North Territory with 16 years of family law experience.
With family law as one of their focus areas of practice, Story & Associates assists clients with multiple issues including property settlements, pre-nuptial agreements, binding financial agreements, divorce settlements, and consent orders.
The lawyers seek to explain laws as simply as possible with the goal to offer the right guidance from a legal point of view. Focused on both cost-effective and tailored services for every client, Story & Associates uses their knowledge of local laws to bring about the best possible outcome for their clients.
While the preference is for settling issues out of court, the lawyers at Story & Associates have in court experience and can represent clients in several issues related to family law. Their goal is to solve issues as quickly as possible so that clients can move on from domestic situations and progress with their lives.
Story & Associate lawyers seek to stay abreast of any laws in the Commonwealth and the Territory to assist clients with the right advice and guidance based on their circumstances. They offer prompt documents and responsiveness to queries and home visits where necessary.
The lawyers at Story & Associates look to provide practical advice that allows you to plan better for your outcome. Client meetings are confidential and can be organised via phone or in person based on the client’s convenience. The goal is to offer open and transparent guidance at all points.
Story & Associates lawyers are experienced when dealing with family law matters and can offer assistance in various areas of law in addition to family-related matters. This boutique law firm remains committed to offering quality services to clients in Palmerston and is a great choice if you are looking for an experienced, local family lawyer.
Which Palmerston family law firm works for you?
Photo: master1305, Bigstock
Depending on your personal requirements and desires for accessibility, financial transparency, and your communication with each law firm, the best family lawyer in Palmerston.
Each individual is different and consequently, the top family lawyer to help you through your situation is dependent on your personal values and requirements. Regardless, the family lawyers in Palmerston above are capable of providing advice to help you through the legalities of your domestic issue.
Get in touch with a family lawyer to help you through your family law issues and make the process easier to allow the progress of your life beyond this situation.
Relationships between couples or family members can break down when you least expect it. This is why a special branch of the law exists to protect vulnerable members in case of these inopportune situations.
Family law has been introduced in the legal landscape to protect people in case of issues like divorce, child support, spouse support, child maintenance, child custody, annulment, separation and much more.
Family lawyers specialise in a range of issues and seek to help clients through some of the most difficult times – financially and emotionally. Family lawyers typically advocate out of court settlements more often than not. This helps clients resolve complex family matters as quickly and efficiently as possible without the burden of the courtroom.
Finding the right legal team is crucial for you when you’re dealing with the complexities of a relationship breakdown to ensure you get everything you’re entitled to, whether it is monetary or something else.
An experienced family law expert will guide you through your situation in a manner that best suits your specific needs. Let’s take a look at some of the local family lawyers in Alice Springs.
Local family lawyers in Alice Springs:
No.:
Firm:
Website:
1
Collier Lawyers
www.collierlawyers.com.au
2
Povey Stirk
www.poveystirk.com.au
3
James McConvill & Associates
www.alicespringsfamilylawyers.com.au
4
Ward Keller
www.wardkeller.com.au
5
Greg Betts Legal
www.gregbettslegal.com.au
Collier Lawyers
Screenshot taken 15/08/2018
Based in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and Cairns in Queensland, Collier Lawyers are specialists in family law, mediation and wills and estates.
Nardine Collier, the principal at Collier Lawyers, has a career spanning over 20 years. She runs two legal practices in Cairns and Alice Springs. She is an accredited family law specialist and is an independent children’s lawyer.
Nardine is a nationally accredited mediator and has obtained a Masters in Applied Law. She is also a family law arbitrator. She has used her personal experience to help clients gain optimal outcomes for their individual cases. Under the supervision of Nardine, Katherine Lam works with the firm as a para-legal and works in all aspects of the practice.
Collier Lawyers has represented clients in a multitude of settings, whether in or out of the court. While the firm always looks to settle matters out of court to avoid further complexities and expenses, Nardine is experienced with all matters related to court proceedings should the situation arise.
Nardine draws from her personal and professional experience when dealing with family law matters including separation, divorce, annulment, child support, spouse support, spouse maintenance, child custody, child arrangements, financial agreements, property disputes and much more.
Nardine and Katherine personally collaborate with clients to fully understand their requirements and apprehensions before considering appropriate solutions in their individual cases. With close interaction and familiarity with all kinds of family law issues, the team work hard to achieve the best possible results for clients, while offering practical advice at every step of the way.
Collier Lawyers focuses on resolving family law matters quickly and cordially to allow all parties to reach a solution and move on with their lives without any delays. This is important especially when innocent kids are involved.
Understanding that every client’s issues and needs are different, Nardine seeks to tailor her advice based on the situation. She offers a sympathetic and understanding ear and can even direct clients to other allied professionals if necessary.
With the aim of treating every client with kindness, honesty and respect, Nardine has sought to deliver affordable solutions to clients going through these difficult times as efficiently as possible.
Collier Lawyers offers a DIY service where clients are encouraged to undertake a greater degree of preparation to bring down fees. The firm also has flexible payment options based on the services provided. The team can even work with clients who choose to be self-represented by assisting them with court documents, procedures and etiquette.
Povey Stirk
Screenshot taken 15/08/2018
Located in Alice Springs, Povey Stirk is a full-service law firm offering services in commercial and corporate law, employment law, commercial conveyancing, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, worker’s compensation, public and occupiers liability, debt recovery, medical negligence, civil litigation, child protection wills and estates planning, and family law.
Povey Stirk began its operations in April 1999. It began as a merger between two established legal practices in Alice Springs – Poveys and McBride & Stirk. The roots of the firm can be traced back to the 1960s in the region.
With an extensive list of clients in central Australia, the firm has represented a range of clients, including those in mining, land development, construction, tourism, pastoral and indigenous enterprises.
Povey Stirk has also consulted with government agencies, institutions and statutory boards in diverse areas related to health, child protection and policing. The firm has also assisted clients with medical negligence, worker’s compensation and personal injury claims.
Povey Stirk has a large client base for family law matters such as child custody, divorce, wills and estates, property settlements and more. The firm always looks to deliver holistic solutions and draws from its wealth of local knowledge to work in the best interests of every client.
With a highly experienced team consisting of lawyers John Stirk, Peer Schroter, Alison Phillis and Nicholas Simmons, Povey Stirk enjoys a strong reputation in different areas of the law. This includes family-related matters. John and Peer have been practicing law since the 1980’s. Alison began as a legal practitioner in 2001 and Nicholas started his career in 2007.
The lawyers at Povey Stirk always seek to provide practical advice to clients and give them a realistic picture of their situation. Where possible, the team attempts to mediate and settle matters out of court. They can also represent clients in court-related matters if the situation arises.
Using their hands-on local experience, the team at Povey Stirk looks to assist clients through emotionally draining and complex legal processes by offering sensible solutions. Every client is treated with personal interaction, so there is no one size fits all solution.
Povey Stirk seeks to be as cost effective as possible to help clients avoid expensive legal proceedings. This is vital when clients deal with tough and emotional relationship breakdowns. The focus is to offer affordable, confidential and customised solutions with as much transparency as possible.
The lawyers are flexible when working with clients and can offer meeting times to suit their needs. John Stirk, one of the directors of the firm, has also served as the Law Society Northern Territory President, and was the Law Council of Australia’s Northern Territory representative.
James McConvill & Associates
Screenshot taken 15/08/2018
James McConvill & Associates is a law firm based in Alice Springs with expertise in a broad range of matters related to family law, including parenting plans and arrangements, property settlements, same sex relationships, binding financial agreements, violence orders, international family law issues, divorce and child protection to name a few.
The lawyers at James McConvill & Associates are experienced in handling several family law issues. This includes preparing parenting plans, finalising content orders, developing divorce applications, managing child passport issues, roundtable mediation and responding to family violence intervention orders.
James McConvill & Associates seeks to offer tailored solutions for all requirements. This includes offering flexible and practical legal advice to clients throughout Alice Springs and surrounding Northern Territory regions (including Ballan and Daylesford).
With an approach to personalised service, the lawyer team focuses on communication by listening to the needs and concerns of clients before offering any insights and advice.
James McConvill & Associates has lawyers who have expertise in property dispute resolution and family law with a passion for the legal profession. The lawyers are experienced in court proceedings and out of court dispute resolutions. They remain dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their situation.
The lawyers focus on transparent communication and customised advice. They also regularly review the complexities of local laws governing families to ensure they remain up to date. They also introduce different options for settlement to help clients resolve matters as quickly and painlessly as possible.
The lawyers at James McConvill & Associates are experienced at dealing with complex family law matters and have a firm understanding of local laws, allowing them to provide sound legal advice to clients based on their individual situations.
Clients can get in touch with the lawyers at James McConvill & Associates via in-person meetings, phone or email. The firm offers a free initial consultation and fixed fee options, so clients know exactly what they are paying without any unexpected expenses arising.
The lawyers can visit clients at their businesses or homes, or can even organise meetings in private rooms or in specific locations at the convenience of their clients. This allows clients to avoid travelling long distances for meetings. The lawyers can also arrange for weekend meetings if clients are unable to meet in the week.
The firm offers a same day enquiry option where one of the lawyers will respond within an hour of the request. Clients will also speak directly to a lawyer during the initial consultation.
Ward Keller
Screenshot taken 15/08/2018
While Ward Keller is based in Darwin, the firm provides legal advice to clients throughout the Northern Territory region, including Alice Springs. With offices in Alice Springs, Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston and services for clients in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy, the firm is one of the leading legal practices in the region.
Ward Keller provides legal services to businesses, government agencies and individuals, and specialises in different law practice areas.
Businesses can avail of services related to share transfers, franchising, commercial law, employment law and much more. For individuals, the firm offers services related to family law, conveyancing, worker’s compensation, employment and personal injury.
Considered to be one of the oldest legal practices in the Northern Territory region, Ward Keller was started in 1963. But its origins can be tracked back to 1910. Six partners, conveyancers and lawyers make up the law team operating from different offices of Ward Keller.
Ward Keller’s partners are well respected and have nearly 50 years of service with the firm. It is also a member of Lawyers Associated Worldwide, which is an international organisation of 3700 lawyers and 100 law firms drawn from 60 countries across the world. It is one of six law firms in Australia to be a member of the organisation.
Led by two experienced solictors, Elizabeth Thomson and Tessa Czislowski, the family law practice of Ward Keller enjoys a strong reputation.
Tessa has been registered as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She provides mediation services, wills and estate planning and much more without having to deal with court proceedings.
Elizabeth is experienced in matters related to domestic violence and child protection and can assist clients on a range of family law matters.
The lawyers seek to provide realistic and sensible advice to clients. They draw from their practical experience to help families deal with complex relationship breakdowns in the best possible manner.
The lawyers at Ward Keller attempt to help clients’ deal with their issues quickly and seamlessly. They focus on settling out of court through mediation and transparent communication. In situations where court is necessary, the lawyers draw from their vast experience to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.
Tailored advice and quick resolutions are key focus areas to avoid dragging financially and emotionally draining family issues. This is especially important when innocent children are part of the battle.
The legal team at Ward Keller are experienced in a range of family law matters. This includes property settlements, divorce, separation, financial agreements, child custody, consent orders, child support and much more.
The initial consultation costs $110. This is inclusive of GST. After the consultation, any further cost is determined based on the situation of the client.
Greg Betts Legal
Screenshot taken 15/08/2018
Operating and living in Alice Springs for the last nine years, Greg Betts is an experienced lawyer dealing with different law areas. This includes domestic violence, criminal law, drink driving, anti-discrimination, wills and probate, mental health, appellate work and family law.
Greg has a law degree from Charles Darwin University and graduated in 2006. He was admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister in 2007. He has worked in the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin as a judge’s associate before heading in 2008 to Alice Springs where he began working as a lawyer with Aboriginal Legal Aid.
During his criminal law career in the Northern Territory region, Greg has been part of numerous pleas, jury trials, special hearings and appeals in the Supreme Court. He has also contested committal proceedings, pleas and hearings in the local court.
Focussed on providing cost-effective solutions for his clients in Alice Springs, Greg is committed to tailoring his services to suit the specific needs of each client. His experience spans a range of issues related to family law. This includes divorce, spouse support, property settlements, child custody, separation, annulments and much more.
Greg is experienced with local laws and uses this to provide sound legal counsel to his clients. While out of court settlements are preferred, he also has experience in representing clients inside the courtroom. His aim is to provide quick solutions to clients to help them move on from their emotional and financial turmoil when dealing with a relationship breakdown.
Greg attempts to be as flexible with his clients as possible and does not follow a fixed policy since every client’s need is different. Over the years, his services have become more popular with Alice Springs residents with several of his clients coming through referrals.
Greg seeks to provide a realistic picture of the situation. This allows them to better prepare for the outcome based on local and national laws. He also assists clients know exactly what they are entitled to, and assists them with these claims.
All meetings with clients are completely confidential and can be taken either in person or via phone depending on the convenience of the client. Greg is committed to helping his clients through openness and transparency to ensure they are aware of their circumstances.
Greg is experienced at a range of matters related to family law, along with other areas as well. This can help clients who require legal expertise for a range of issues beyond just family difficulties.
Which Alice Springs family law firm works for you?
Photo: Dean Drobot, Bigstock
If you’re looking for a family lawyer in Alice Springs, you’ll want someone who can offer you practical and realistic advice. Relationship breakdowns can make your life difficult, so you’ll want to know exactly what you are entitled to under the law.
Professional family lawyers in Alice Springs will review your case and will offer advice to help achieve the best result for you. Contact an Alice Springs lawyer if you are dealing with a family law dispute today!
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Foundation has treated banking and mining executives to a tropical getaway on Hamilton Island.
It comes after the Foundation learned it was receiving a $444 million grant from the Government.
The getaway, dubbed the “Chairman’s Panel Weekend” was hosted at a luxury Hamilton Island resort with the pretence that executives were meeting with experts and scientists who were working on preserving the Great Barrier Reef.
However, the trip included lavish accommodations and expensive meals as well a yacht trips and snorkelling tours.
The weekend trip was attended by high profile affiliates who had paid the $20,000 membership fee, including JP Morgan, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, AGL, Boral and Shell to name a few.
25% of the membership fee was set aside to pay for the Hamilton Island trip, rather than making sure every cent was used to help protect the reef.
The original decision to grant the $444 million has been defended by the Coalition who has said the particular foundation was chosen because of its ability to leverage money from private investors.
However, the luxury weekend has raised eyebrows in Canberra, particularly with Tony Burke, the Shadow Environment Minister. Mr Burke said that the money raised should be committed to the reef and not on treats for investors.
He said that it was clear that the money was being spent “on trips that make donors happy” and not on “protecting the reef”.
A spokesperson for the GBR foundation said that not all members went on the trip as well as declaring that they had no control over the projects funded by the foundation.
They said that all of the costs of the trip were paid for “via their membership” and that no extra money was used.
However, the GBR Foundation has a charitable status, meaning that much of the $20,000 membership fee will be tax-deductible.
In the current geopolitical climate, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Australia’s economy was braced for uncertain times.
After all, domestic debt levels have increased incrementally in recent times, while the nation’s close economic ties with China have come under scrutiny following Donald Trump’s attempts to initiate a trade war.
Despite this, economists remain upbeat about Australia’s short-term economic future, suggesting that the nation’s $1.8 trillion GDP will grow by a total of 2.9% in 2018.
This would represent a sharp increase on last years’ rate of 2.3%, while it’s also higher than was initially projected at the end of 2017.
This sense of growth and optimism is reflected by the buoyancy of Australia’s property market, which now employs more than one million people nationwide. We’ll address in the post below, while asking whether property market growth levels can be sustained and what this means for investors.
The growth of Australian real estate and its key challenges
Despite Australia’s history as a commodity-driven economy, cosmopolitan cites such as Sydney and Melbourne have always measured their success by the number of cranes that dot the skyline. This is true of most major cities, of course, and by this metric both Sydney and Melbourne are reaping the obvious benefits of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure boom.
After all, these prominent economic hubs are home to a huge number of residential and commercial building projects at present, each of which is creating a wealth of job opportunities and raising the level of sentiment among investors.
However, recent reports have suggested that pronounced property market growth in Sydney and Melbourne (and to a lesser extent Brisbane) could be counter-intuitive for the national economy. The biggest concern revolves around the cost of building in Australia, while the prolific rate of construction is also placing a considerable strain on the nation’s skilled workforce
In terms of the former, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are among the most expensive cities in the world to build in, placing 19th, 21st and 22nd in the global rankings. This is largely caused by Australia’s isolated and remote location, which increases the logistical cost of importing materials and the associated tax levies.
As a result of this, many of these construction projects are not delivering the requisite level of profit, while the market continues to under-deliver in terms of competitiveness on the global stage.
Similarly, Australia only boasts a relatively small population of skilled workers. This is workforce is becoming increasingly stretched as the rate of construction increases, even allowing for any additional resources that are invested into training new employees and developing new skills.
This will only trigger a hike in labour costs and overall building expenses, while causing the rate of construction to slow appreciably over time.
Investing in property Down Under – Is this a viable investment option?
Photo: Energepic, Pexels
Not only are these real-time challenges impacting on the profitability of Australia’s burgeoning construction sector, but it is also creating a scenario where long-term growth is entirely unsustainable.
This is why economists are so concerned about the prospects for the wider economy, particularly if the market suddenly collapses and swallows more than one million jobs in the process.
While this is enough to create significant economic uncertainly in Australia and place an immediate drag on GDP growth, the question that remains is whether real estate remains a viable investment opportunity?
In truth, the recent forecasts are enough to send risk-averse investors running for the hills, especially given the declining profitability of projects and the potential delays that may be caused by a skills shortage.
Those with an international portfolio may also be tempted to invest their capital elsewhere, with more central locations such as Berlin having showcased property price growth of 20.5% in the year ending December 2017.
For those who do decide to invest in Australian property, it’s important to select potential projects wisely and seek out professional advice where possible. Firms such as DWF Australia provide a wealth of property market and construction advise to both developers and investors alike, helping individuals to highlight the projects with the best profit potential.
It may also be worth considering regions outside of Australia’s main commercial cities, including locations such as Canberra. Not only regional property values have increased by around 3.2% in the year ending December 2017, the cost of construction is lower here and this can contribute to higher profit margins.
This could provide an important compromise for investors, particularly those who want to capitalise on Australia’s property market while they can.
