kjb law
'Most Outstanding Business'
'Most Outstanding Professional Services'
We're here to help . . .
(02) 6281 0999

Blog Post

10 things you may not know about estate administration | Part 1

Andrew Freer • Nov 13, 2016

In times of bereavement it is often distressing for members of the deceased’s family to address the issues surrounding the wishes of the deceased. It can also be difficult to try and understand the specific language used in the administration of an estate even when you aren’t trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. To help you better understand this sometimes confusing process we have prepared a short series called ‘10 Things You May Not Know About Estate Administration’.

Andrew Freer E: andrew@kjblaw.com.au


Part 1 – What right do you have to inspect and copy a will of a deceased person?

It is not uncommon for family members, beneficiaries or eligible family provision applicants to be interested in obtaining a copy of the will of a deceased person. As an interested person you may wish to find out what entitlements you have under the will of the deceased. You may want information to enable them to decide whether to make a family provision claim. You may simply be trying to determine the identity of the executor and the beneficiaries. Alternatively, you may wish to find out when a will was made to assist in deciding whether to apply for a grant of another will, or challenge the validity of a will.

But what is the legal position?

In the first instance you should make a direct request to the person who actually has possession or control of the will. Section 126 of the Administration and Probate Act 1929 (ACT) sets out who is entitled to inspect will of deceased person. It provides that a person who has possession or control of a deceased person's will must, on request in writing by an interested person, allow the interested person to inspect, or be given copies of, the will or any copies of the will in the person's possession or control. The legislation contains a definition of who is an interested person.

The obligation to allow inspection and copying extends to both the actual custodian as well as any person whose instructions or permission would be required, such as the executor named in the will.

If a copy is not forthcoming following a direct request though, rule 3111 of the Court Procedures Rules 2006 (ACT) gives the ACT Supreme Court the power to issue a subpoena to a person to produce a will or document. To obtain this though you need to make an application to the ACT Supreme Court. Not just anyone can make the application - you must first have standing to apply. This stops just anyone applying to see a copy of a will, and restricts it to only those who actually have a legitimate interest. Interested persons who have standing to seek a copy of the will or document can include:

  • the spouse, parent or issue of the deceased;
  • anyone named as a beneficiary in the will, or an earlier will;
  • anyone who would be entitled to share in the estate if the deceased died intestate;
  • an attorney of the deceased under an enduring power of attorney; and
  • a creditor of the deceased.

Making an application to the ACT Supreme Court is a significant step though and should not be undertaken lightly. If you are having difficulty obtaining a copy of a will, or aren’t sure whether you should agree to a request for a copy, the team at KJB Law can help.


Andrew Freer E: andrew@kjblaw.com.au


News

By Ian Horner 03 Oct, 2022
Doyles recognises Andrew Freer and KJB Law once more
By Ian Horner 16 Jun, 2021
Picture: Vlada Karpovich/Pexels ABOUT THIS SEMINAR We make property decisions throughout our life when choosing where to live, but as times goes on the decision is more than just what real estate can I get for my money. We need to think about how we will live and who is there to help us. The process of moving into a retirement village community requires consideration and accurate information. Before committing, it is critical you understand the retirement villages contractual arrangements, impact on your estate and ways to comfortably pay for your living expenses. This Moving into a Retirement Village seminar is designed to equip you with the legal and financial practicalities of securing a home in a retirement village. WHAT WILL I LEARN? The legal side of retirement-village entry • There are fundamental differences between home ownership outside a retirement village and your rights with respect to accommodation inside a village. Simply put, the contractual arrangements for retirement villages are more complex. Adding to this complexity is that retirement villages in the ACT do not have identical contractual and financial models. This seminar will give you insight into the contractual and financial models on offer in the ACT; and • Notwithstanding those different contractual and financial models, there are some commonalities which apply to entry and life in each village. In this seminar you will also learn about cooling-off periods, settling-in periods, recurrent charges, budget approvals, how your money is protected and when the law requires you to get your money back after you leave a village. Wills and enduring powers of attorney • Why it is important to have a will and enduring power of attorney; • What should be included in a will; • How to choose your attorney and how to protect yourself; and • What happens if you do not have a will and/or enduring power of attorney. Funding your retirement lifestyle as well as preparing for the frailty years. • The common question when it comes to retirement is: how much is enough? If only the answer was simple! But the fact is that the answer varies due to a range of factors, including your lifestyle aspirations, personal health and family commitments; and • We cover strategies available to increase cash flow and income certainty to support your quality of life in retirement and the need to prepare for when you may need extra supportive care. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? People who are: • researching the option of downsizing; • wanting to learn more about living in a retirement-village community; • confused about the different retirement-village contractual arrangements; • seeking clarification about the costs; and • preparing for retirement. NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SEMINAR? It's on Tuesday, June 22, 10am to 12.30pm, at the Hellenic Club of Canberra , 1 Matilda Street, Woden. It's presented by KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners . Book online: eventbrite.com.au/e/plan-for-a-successful-move-into-a-retirement-living-community-tickets-154049300605 Details, bookings: Liz (02) 6281 0999 or liz@kjblaw.com.au
By Ian Horner 09 Apr, 2021
OPTIONS: Our specialist solicitors, including Andrew Freer, are able to meet with you via Skype or Zoom if you can't do a face-to-face meeting. Main picture: Lukas Bieri/Pixabay As the ACT and the rest of Australia moves out of strict covid rules, it’s important that our health and safety remain a No.1 priority. Although regulations and guidelines are relaxing, it’s vital we all remain vigilant and care for one another. We all share this responsibility. The ACT is operating under a set of COVID-normal restrictions . Please do not visit KJB Law offices if you have any covid-like symptoms, such as a cold or flu, fever or high temperature. Many legal matters cannot be postponed and if you need to avoid physical contact you can make an appointment for a phone meeting, or a video meeting via Skype or Zoom, simply by calling (02) 6281 0999 or emailing us, kjblaw@kjblaw.com.au. Legal concerns range from writing or updating wills or powers of attorney to more complex matters like family law and conveyancing. You can chat with our friendly receptionist Kylie Brown, on (02) 6281 0999 or email her at kylie@kjblaw.com.au, and she will happily point you in the right direction. Kylie can also outline our fees which vary, depending on what needs to be done. It is important every client has a clear understanding of their tailored legal plan. An initial consultation may be 30 minutes or two hours — everything is shaped to your needs. Appointments are generally taken from 8.30am, the final meeting usually ending at 5pm. We try to keep to those times but this is not a hard and fast rule because we recognise there can be other circumstances to allow for. If you know which legal specialist you need, or have already begun working with one of our solicitors, you can find their personal contact details and the details of their staff here or here . In line with covid guidelines, all visitors must register their name and phone number at reception which is needed in the event of contact tracing. If you book an appointment, we’ll take your details then so there’s no need to register when you visit. If you come in off the street we’ll ask you to register then. Appointments streamline the process and make it easier for everyone. It’s not mandatory to wear a face-mask when you visit us but you may if you wish. All of our meeting rooms and spaces are wiped down and sanitised for every meeting. You can rest assured that when you come in and sit down, your chair has just been wiped clean for you. We continue to closely monitor and adhere to the regulations and advice provided by the Federal Government’s Department of Health and in accordance with ACT Government guidelines . Thank you for your support as we work together for the health and safety of our clients, staff and the community.
By Ian Horner 01 Oct, 2020
KJB Law is thrilled to be a finalist again in this year’s Local Business Awards for the Canberra region . The company is competing in the Professional Services category — which it won last year. “WE'RE so thrilled to be nominated once again and to be a finalist in the competition,” said principal Jo Twible. “A big sincere thank-you on behalf of Andrew, Des and I and everyone at KJB to all our clients and friends for the nomination!” The awards are conducted over an 11-week period. The public has nominated their favourite Canberra regional businesses which have been divided into 30 categories. 'We’re so thrilled to be nominated again and to be a finalist in the competition. A big sincere thank-you to all our clients and friends for the nomination!' JO TWIBLE principal and solicitor Voting in the Canberra region opened on April 22 and closed on September 17. Finalists were selected based on the number of online and printed nominations they got in their category, the more nominations the better chance of being selected as a finalist. There was no arbitrary cut-off point, as the number of nominations varied for each category. The finalists are judged in two stages — on information received from each business (the qualifying stage) and anonymous judges (the judging stage). Because of covid, visits to each business are not always feasible, in which case judges will evaluate the business's website and online presence (social media, advertising, etc) and may conduct impromptu phone interviews. The winners will be announced at the Local Business Awards gala presentation evening on December 16, which will be attended by local business people, sponsors and dignitaries. Tickets are only available to finalists and sponsors. All Canberra region finalists: here Professional Services category finalists: here KJB Law’s awards-entry page: here The awards are run by Precedent Productions : (02) 8363 3333 or precedent@precedent.net Pictures: Precedent Productions
By Ian Horner 10 Aug, 2020
HUMBLED | Principal Andrew Freer has just been announced as one of the ACT's top five estates-litigation lawyers. Picture: Canberra City News . Graphics: Doyles PRINCIPAL and solicitor Andrew Freer has just been listed as one of the “pre-eminent” lawyers in estates litigation in the ACT in this year’s Doyles Guide listing. And KJB Law is the highest-ranking Doyles Guide firm in the Woden area, listed as “second tier” for estates litigation in the ACT . “I’m humbled to get this recognition by peers, colleagues and clients,” Andrew said. “And I’m so proud to work for a company that enables people to shine, with co-workers who support each other. “I acknowledge and put on record my deepest appreciation of the efforts and contribution of all members of the KJB team. “I’ve been at KJB now for 25 years and it’s quietly satisfying to know the experience and knowledge garnered over that time is valuable and acknowledged.” This year’s listing of leading ACT wills and estates-litigation law firms highlights solicitors and companies practising in wills and estates litigation, disputes and contested matters in the ACT who’ve been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas. ' I’m humbled to get this recognition by peers, colleagues and clients. And I’m so proud to work for a company that enables people to shine, with co-workers who support each other . ' ANDREW FREER Principal and Solicitor Doyles is an independent organisation that rates and recommends law firms based on interviews with clients, peers and industry bodies. The firm produces one of the most recognised independent guides to top law firms in Australia. Doyles doesn’t allow firms to buy entries. Andrew is listed for estates litigation in the ACT. Here' s the full list of this category's pre-eminent tier (in alphabetical order): Pre-eminent ranking: Keith Bradley , of Bradley Allen Love; Phil Davey , of DDCS Lawyers; Andrew Freer , of KJB Law; Tim Morton , of Farrar Gesini Dunn; and Rebecca Tetlow , of DDCS Lawyers. KJB Law is listed for estates litigation on the ACT. Here's the complete listing of all four tiers in this category (in alphabetical order): First tier: Bradley Allen Love; and DDCS Lawyers. Second tier: Farrar Gesini Dunn; KJB Law; and Meyer Vandenberg. Third tier: Bedfords Legal; and McInnes Wilson. Recommended: Baker Deane & Nutt; Elringtons; Howes Kaye Halpin; Symons Phillips; and Tetlow Legal. The content and listing of firms, lawyers and barristers is compiled after initial online peer-review-based surveys and phone and face-to-face interviews with clients, peers and industry bodies. Its research is focused on clients and legal practitioners. Most of its personal-services areas (ie, family, crime, estates and succession planning) are compiled via peer-based surveys and reviews. At the end of the research stage of the ranking process, individuals and firms are ranked according to volume and quality of positive feedback. The distinction between tiers of firms and bands of individuals is made by way of editorial discretion, in light of: Any clear numerical delineation between firms or groups of firms; Recommendations from significant clients; Recommendations from significant peers; The firm’s or individual’s ranking in previous Doyles’ listings; and Doyles’ impression of the individual during interviews. All research is independent, and errors or faults in the guide and listings aren’t due to commercial pressures or relationships. The firm listing contains four categories, ie, three “tiers” and “recommended”. The classification of a firm into a particular tier basically depends on numbers. Especially glowing reports from key clients and individuals can also be considered. The rating of a firm in a particular tier is not a definitive classification as to the skills and abilities of each individual legal practitioner in that firm. Doyles’ listings of lawyers are in four categories: Market leader is awarded to an individual who clearly stands ahead of their peers; Pre-eminent and leading lawyers are those who consistently draw client and peer praise; and Recommended lawyers are those who display particular skills or attributes in the area. All Doyles’ listings in each ranking category are in alphabetical order. A position at the top of the list category doesn’t indicate a higher ranking or rating than a ranking at the bottom. Firms don’t have to participate in Doyles’ research or make submissions. Doyles tries to speak to clients and third parties and also senior legal practitioners within firms. The listing of leading firms and individuals not only creates an environment for a more accurate recognition of Australia’s leading lawyers, Doyles says, but also allows for informed choices for those wanting a local lawyer. Doyles website here . Andrew's Doyles profile here .
By Kerstin Glomb 05 Aug, 2020
INCOME CONCESSIONS CHANGED | New measures approved on June 22. Graphic (left): Steve Buissinne/Pixabay. Children (right): Pixabay. ON JUNE 22, the Treasury Laws Amendment (2019 Measures No 3) Bill was approved. This means tax concessions previously available to minors when they get income from a testamentary trust have changed and are no longer as generous. Testamentary trusts vs inter vivos trusts A testamentary trust is a trust which only comes into existence when someone dies. An inter vivos trust is a trust which comes into existence while the individual is still alive. Distributions to a minor (someone under 18) from an inter vivos trust are taxed harshly, with only the first $416 tax-free. Tax is charged at 66 per cent on the next $891 and then tax is charged at 45 per cent on any amounts over $1307. These rates create a disincentive to distribute income to minors from inter vivos trusts. Distributions to a minor from a testamentary trust have been taxed more leniently. The old situation Under the former law, any income received by a minor from a testamentary trust was taxed as though the minor was an adult. This meant that the first $18,200 of income was tax-free, the next $18,800 was taxed at only 19 per cent, and so on. It was irrelevant whether this income was derived from assets of the deceased estate or from assets added to the testamentary trust from other sources, for example, assets which were transferred into the testamentary trust from a family trust or from borrowings. This was one of the aspects which made a testamentary trust attractive for estate planning. ' If you administer a testamentary trust and assets were injected into it on or after July 1 last year, separate accounts should be set up so income from these assets is kept separate. ' KERSTIN GLOMB Special Counsel, Estate Planning The new situation The Treasury Laws Amendment (2019 Measures No. 3) Bill 2019 amended the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to insert a new clause, s102AG(2), tightening tax concessions available to minors in respect of testamentary trusts. It has the effect that income from assets transferred to a testamentary trust on or after July 1 last year will no longer be "excepted trust income" under the legislation and will no longer qualify for the tax concession unless it's income from assets transferred to the trustee of the testamentary trust from the deceased estate or are an accumulation of such income. Examples given by the Australian Tax Office with respect to how they're interpreting these provisions include not just the anticipated scenarios of an inter vivos family trust distributing money or assets to a testamentary trust but also include the testamentary trust borrowing funds to acquire an asset. So, if a testamentary trust bought a property for $1,000,000 using $500,000 of its own cash from the estate and $500,000 in borrowings, generating a return of $40,000 per annum, and distributed all $40,000 to a minor, only $20,000 of it would be exempted income and taxed concessionally and the other funds would be taxed at the harsher rates. What to do? Should you currently administer a testamentary trust and assets are or have been injected into the testamentary trust on or after July 1 last year, separate accounts should be set up within the testamentary trust so income derived from the injected assets is kept separate to income derived from assets of the deceased estate. Should you and your partner have mirror wills in place under which you provide that each of your respective estate flows into the same testamentary trust, the estate assets of the second person to die will be considered as "injected assets" of the testamentary trust. To avoid this problem, consideration should be given to amending your wills to allow for separate testamentary trusts to be established. For more information or to discuss the implications for you and your partner, don't hesitate to call us, 6281 0999.
By Sensis Master 03 Aug, 2020
JULY YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS: Principal Andrew Freer, honoured for his 25 years service at KJB. Christmas design: Miesha Moriniere/Pexels. Logo: DunJa2410/Pixabay. OUR mid-year function at the end of last month was a staff party with a difference. Thanks to covid, there was no singing, no dancing and no close mingling. It was socially appropriate to keep a safe distance from each other, though it did feel odd! But there was still lots of atmosphere, lots of things to celebrate — especially honouring principal and solicitor Andrew Freer for his 25 years’ service at KJB. The Christmas in July function on Saturday, July 25, for KJB staff and their partners was at The Boat House in Canberra. It’s a great venue, right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. We had our own private room, with great food, great wine and great company. Nevertheless, it was quite an unusual celebration for us as we respected social-distancing rules and all the other covid protocols to keep everyone safe. During the evening fellow principal and solicitor Jo Twible spoke in glowing and warm terms about Andrew. “For those of you who’ve only recently joined us, at our mid-year and end-of-year functions we take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate significant employment milestones,” Jo said. ' Anyone who works with Andrew knows he’s incredibly hard-working, he's kind, considerate and compassionate. Des and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. ' JO TWIBLE Principal and Solicitor “Andrew started at KJB 25 years ago — on June 26 in 1995. Of our current workmates, only Sue and Sonya have been with the firm longer. “When he started with us, the company was called Ken Johnston Bedford & Co which later became KJB Law. On his first day he impressed his workmates by baking and bringing in an orange poppy-seed cake which everyone enjoyed. At the time he also had black hair! “In 2000 he made partner. Given his birthday milestone earlier this year, he’s now spent about half his life working here. "Anyone who works with Andrew knows he’s incredibly hard-working, he’s kind, considerate and compassionate. Des Moore [fellow principal and solicitor] and I couldn’t ask for a better business partner!” Then Jo presented him with a TAG Heuer watch on behalf of the company. Andrew wasn’t expecting this and was a bit overwhelmed. “It was the first time I’d ever seen him put on the spot!” office manager Sue Hayes said afterwards. “Basically, he didn’t know what to say, and he’s usually a fantastic speaker, never stuck for words. “He thanked everyone and said what a great place KJB was to work. He said he still remembered his job interview with me over 25 years ago and joked about who would interview anyone at 5pm on a Friday afternoon!” See THE BOAT HOUSE GALLERY on our Facebook page.
By Kerstin Glomb, Special Counsel, Estate Planning 22 May, 2020
The problem You'll remember from our last news alert about documents being signed in NSW that usually wills, enduring powers of attorney and affidavits must all be signed in the direct presence of a witness, or witnesses. This means that the witness has to be physically present when the person is signing. In view of the current hygiene requirements for COVID-19, this requirement has created some significant hurdles for clients wanting, or needing, to plan their estates. We'd been waiting for NSW's lead in this area to be followed by the Australian Capital Territory. The solution On April 22, the NSW Government passed the regulation — Electronic Transactions Amendment (COVID-19 Witnessing of Documents) Regulation 2020 (NSW) — which addressed the problem (see more on our website here ). On May 8, the ACT Government also passed provisions (amending the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020) to allow witnessing and attestation by audiovisual link of an affidavit, a will, a health direction under the Medical Treatment (Health Directions) Act 2006 and a general or enduring power of attorney during the COVID-19 emergency period. This runs through to the end of a three-month period during which no COVID-19 emergency has been in force. It's important to note that the Act doesn't allow the witnessing of deeds and agreements by audiovisual link. As under NSW law, there are some further steps that must to be taken by anyone witnessing a person signing a document to meet the requirements set out in the Act for it to be valid. For further information please call us on 6281 0999. Picture: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels
By Kerstin Glomb, Special Counsel, Estate Planning 28 Apr, 2020
The problem Usually, wills, enduring powers of attorney, appointments of enduring guardian, affidavits and statutory declarations must be signed in the presence of a witness or witnesses. The witness has to be physically present as the person signs. With the current COVID-19 emphasis on reduced in-person contact, as well as some clients needing to self-isolate, the in-presence requirement has created some significant hurdles for clients wanting (or needing) to do their estate planning. The solution On April 22, the NSW Government passed the Electronic Transactions Amendment (COVID-19 Witnessing of Documents) Regulation 2020 (NSW) to address this. The regulation allow witnessing and attestation of the above documents as well as deeds and agreements by audio-visual link, including video conferencing, for example, Skype (download here ) or Zoom (download here ) or GoToMeeting (download here ), which can be installed on your phone. There are some extra steps that need to be taken by the person(s) witnessing the signing of the document to meet the requirements set out in the regulation for this method of execution to be valid. What about the ACT? At the moment, we don't have similar provisions in the ACT. But we hope the ACT Government will soon follow our NSW neighbours in this regard. In the meantime, we have some strategies to help clients complete their estate planning and other legal needs, while complying with government requirements for social distancing. Call us for more information: 6281 0999. Picture: energepic.com/Pexels
By Tom Stayner, SBS 01 Apr, 2020
Rights groups have called for Australians to understand their rights as social-distancing restrictions ramp up and new penalties are introduced to enforce them. The message from authorities is don't leave your home unless absolutely necessary — that means going to work or school if you can't do it remotely, buying essentials, seeking medical care or exercise. Indoor and outdoor gatherings have been restricted to two people as of Tuesday as part of further efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus. How will the new rules be enforced? Breaking the rules will now carry stiff financial penalties across state jurisdictions as police warn they're not afraid to enforce the measures. In NSW alone, anyone who leaves their house without a “reasonable excuse” could face six months in prison or an on-the-spot fine as high as $11,000. Other states have mandated the following penalties: ○ ACT: Warning, followed by fines of up to $8000; ○ Victoria: Fines of $1600 or more; ○ South Australia: Police will not be enforcing national directive; ○ Queensland: Fines of $1330 for individuals; ○ Western Australia: Fines of $1000 for individuals; ○ Northern Territory: Police will not be enforcing national directive; and ○ Tasmania: Capacity to issue fines. NSW Council of Civil Liberties spokesman Stephen Blanks told SBS News the measures are set to have a “most serious impact” on people's freedoms and fundamentally change the public’s relationship with police. “The way in which they’re enforced is going to have a huge impact on whether the community continues to support these laws,” he said. “The issuing of the fines must really be a last resort where compliance cannot be achieved any other way." What are your rights if you get stopped by police? Rights groups have told SBS News police are well within their rights to question people about their reasons for leaving home. Mr Blanks said if stopped by authorities people can expect to be asked for a “reasonable excuse” for why they're not at their primary residence. He said police will be called on to exercise “mature judgement” in how they enforce their powers, bearing in mind the hefty penalties available. “Clearly, if people engage with police in a way that tries to avoid questions police may exercise powers,” he said. “Police have extraordinary powers which they can exercise. They could exercise them against people who are unco-operative.” Mr Blanks said if people do behave in this manner they'd be more likely to be at risk of being fined under the new provisions. In the ACT, chief minister Andrew Barr has flagged a gradual enforcement process that would involve warnings before on-the-spot fines are applied. But in NSW, Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has confirmed 13 infringements have already been imposed on people flouting new restrictions. “I hope we don’t have to write any more but I fear there'll be individuals who won’t get the message, so we'll be out there,” he said. What's a 'reasonable excuse' for leaving home? Federal and state leaders have summed up the acceptable reasons to leave home as going to work or school, buying essentials, medical care and exercise. But under the NSW Public Health Act there are a total of 16 such “excuses” people can use to justify leaving home. This includes getting food or other goods or services (including for pets), taking children to childcare, fulfilling carer responsibilities, attending a wedding or a funeral, moving house, providing emergency help and donating blood. It also includes undertaking legal obligations, accessing public services such as Centrelink or domestic-violence support and allows children who don't live in the same household to visit their parents or siblings. Finally, it allows for a religious minister to go to the person's place of worship or provide pastoral care, avoiding injury or illness and for emergencies or compassionate reasons. The two-person rule doesn't apply to people in your household, which means immediate families can still meet together. How long are the restrictions in place? Rights groups told SBS News the unprecedented restrictions were acceptable given the public-health threat. But they warned the increasing powers must be time-limited, enforced fairly and not discriminate against vulnerable members of society. While other countries that have imposed similar lockdown measures such as the United States and the United Kingdom have set a date for when they intend to lift them, Australia has not set a national deadline. Civil Liberties Australia vice-president Rajan Venkataraman said it’s vital the measures aren't in place "any longer than absolutely necessary". Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the impact of the pandemic is expected to last about six months but how long the measures are in place will largely depend on how successful they are at slowing the spread. As questions about police tactics to enforce the strict rules continued, NSW police said on Thursday they would be in place for 90 days. Mr Venkataraman said increased restrictions can lead to heightened public anxiety despite being designed for public safety. “There's always that risk and again with extraordinary new powers there's absolutely the potential that people may feel intimidated by an increased police presence or questioning,” he said. Victorian Liberties spokeswoman Gemma Cafarella told SBS News it was important hefty penalties didn’t unfairly have an impact on vulnerable groups. “What we do know is fines disproportionately impact people who are poor,” she said. “It's really important to make sure these rules don’t disproportionately affect people who are vulnerable.” Prime Minister says Australia is not in 'lockdown' NSW, the ACT and Victoria are now the only jurisdictions that don’t require interstate travellers to undergo a 14-day quarantine period on arrival. Western Australia has not only closed its state borders, it's also introduced intrastate travel restrictions from midnight on Tuesday meaning people won't be able to travel outside their designated region. Other measures are in place to prevent travellers going into remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and South Australia. The coronavirus pandemic has triggered lockdown restrictions across the world, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, India, Italy and Peru. But Mr Morrison has cautioned against using the term “lockdown”, saying he does not want to create “unnecessary anxiety”. From SBS News (used with permission) More: Federal Department of Health Picture: Anna Shvets/Pexels
MORE NEWS
Share by: