Compensation Law
Compensation Law
Includes personal compensation claims, superannuation claims and professional negligence claims.
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Family Law
Family Law
Includes separation, divorce, property settlements, children and domestic violence.
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Wills & Estates
Wills & Estates
Includes Estate Administration, Estate Litigation and Estate Planning.
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Property, Development & Leasing Law
Property, Development & Leasing Law
Includes property, body corporate, land subdivisions, unit developments, mortgages, securities, rural and town planning matters.
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Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Our criminal lawyers will assist with traffic offences, domestic violence and white-collar crimes.
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Conveyancing
Conveyancing
Includes residential sales and purchases
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Business Services & Employment Law
Business Services & Employment Law
Business and commercial law including business sales and acquisitions, leasing, employment and industrial relations law, maritime law, PPSA matters, company incorporations and trust establishments.
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Commercial Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Includes debt recovery, business disputes, building and construction, insolvency, environmental offences and town planning appeals.
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Leading Lawyers Townsville
Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective. Connolly Suthers are North Queensland’s most experienced and qualified law firm. Established in 1895 with a foundation of leading Townsville lawyers, Connolly Suthers has since become one of North Queensland’s largest, most diverse, and dynamic firms.
Employing a range of expert Queensland lawyers who offer specialist legal advice, Connolly Suthers comprises a team of individual talents working under collective energy. Originating from Townsville Connolly Suthers deliver Queensland’s highest standards of legal help, advice, and services.
We work under the belief that strong reputations don't go unnoticed, and this is why our firm has continued to successfully service the legal needs of North Queenslanders for over 129 years. Work with a law firm that understands you and prioritises your needs – work with Connolly Suthers.
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Self-Managed Superannuation Fund Changes You Need to Know!
Staying informed about changes in the world of superannuation is crucial for every trustee managing a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF). As we head into the next financial year, it's important to be aware of key developments that could impact your retirement planning strategies. Here's a roundup of some recent updates you should know: Valuing fund assets correctly for the SMSF annual return The ATO has reminded SMSF trustees of the importance of correctly valuing fund assets for the SMSF annual return, flagging concerns that approximately 16,500 funds have reported certain classes of assets at the same value, for at least the last three years. Asset classes identified include property (residential and commercial) and unlisted investments (shares and unit trusts). To address this concern, the ATO has commenced sending targeted messages to trustees and auditors and will monitor the approach taken by these funds in their next annual return. Quarterly TBAR Reminder Trustees must report Transfer Balance Account Report (TBAR) events to the ATO by April 28, 2024, if relevant events occurred between January 1 and March 31, 2024. Note: Where there has been no TBA event during this period, there is no need to lodge a TBAR for this quarter. Director ID Number and ASIC action ASIC has brought its first action against a director for failing to have a director identification number. Although the facts of this matter are not public, this action acts as a stark reminder that all company directors, including the directors of a special purpose company that acts as the trustee of an SMSF, must have a director ID. Superannuation Rates and thresholds for 2024-25 The ATO officially released the updated superannuation rates and thresholds for the 2024-25 financial year. Better targeted superannuation concessions (Division 296 Tax) – Draft regulations released The Government released Treasury Laws Amendment (Measures for Future Instruments) Instrument 2023: Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions (draft regulations), to support implementation of the proposed division tax. These draft regulations contain provisions that enable the calculation of Division 296 tax for defined benefit interests, including: outlining methods to value defined benefit interests, and making modifications to the Division 296 earnings formula to appropriately capture notional contributions to defined benefit interests. Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) – Bank account verification The ATO implemented an update to the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) introducing SMSF bank account validation – aimed at bolstering the precision and security of superannuation contributions. This change affects all small employers who use the SBSCH to pay superannuation to employees’ SMSFs. Cost of living tax cuts Bill – Legislation passed The Treasury Laws Amendment (Cost of Living Tax Cuts) Bill 2024 received Royal Assent. This bill amends the tax laws to modify income tax rate thresholds and tax rates for individuals for the 2024-25 and later financial years. Trustee Disqualifications The December update of the Disqualified Trustees Register shows 149 trustees were added for the December 2023 quarter. This brings the total number of disqualified trustees between 1 July and 31 December 2023 to 374. Superannuation on Paid Parental Leave The Government announced its intention to pay superannuation on Paid Parental Leave (PPL) entitlements from 1 July 2025. ATO Statistics – SMSF quarterly statistical report (December 2023) The ATO has published it’s SMSF quarterly statistical report for the December 2023 quarter. The report highlights a continued trend of steady growth in the number of SMSFs, with a net increase of 6,743 SMSFs in the December 2023 quarter. Looking at the member demographics of the new funds established during the December 2023 quarter, around: 55% of members were male, and 45% female, and 46% had taxable income between $80,000 and $200,000, while only 12.5% had taxable incomes above $200,000. ATO Statistics – Annual SMSF Statistical Report The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released its annual statistical report on Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) for the 2021-22 financial year. Navigating these changes can be intricate, especially as retirement approaches. It's crucial to stay informed and seek advice tailored to your SMSF's specific circumstances. Planning for your retirement starts with understanding the rules that govern your superannuation. If you would like assistance with any of the above information, please contact our Wills and Estates team via (07) 4771 4665.
From Glossy Brochures to Real Responsibilities: A Beginner’s Guide to Body Corporates
So, you’re looking to buy your next home: you find an apartment in a new development in the city, close to your favourite café, at the right price. You’re drawn in by the glossy brochures and can’t wait to use the steam room and stock your exclusive use wine cellar. But you’ve never lived in a community titles scheme before. In fact, you’re not even sure what a body corporate is, or what it does. This is an all-too-common experience for those considering buying into new, or existing, developments. Enquiries we often receive from our clients relate to the basics, such as: What is a body corporate, and what does it do? Simply put, a body corporate refers to the lot owners within a scheme which, as a collective, are conferred with distinct legal personality under section 33 of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (Qld) (‘BCCMA’). At its core, your body corporate is required to carry out the following duties under section 94 of the BCCMA: administering common property and body corporate assets for the benefit of the owners of the lots included in the scheme (aka, keeping that steam room in working order); enforcing the community management statement (including enforcing any by-laws for the scheme in the way provided under the Act); and carrying out the other functions given to the body corporate under the Act and the community management statement. To assist it in carrying out its function, bodies corporate are vested with ‘all powers necessary for carrying out its functions’ under s 95 of the BCCMA, and may, inter alia: enter into contracts; acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property; and employ staff. However, it is worth noting that this power is not limitless, and body corporates must be mindful not to act beyond their powers. What is a committee — is it the same as the body corporate? No, the role of a committee can be compared to the role of a board of directors in a large company and is distinctly different to the role of the body corporate. There must be a committee for the body corporate if the regulation module applying to the scheme requires it. The committee is the administrative arm responsible for the day-to-day management of the body corporate and is empowered to make decisions for the body corporate by virtue of section 100 of the BCCMA. Whilst compositions vary between schemes, committees are composed of members (lot owners) elected by their fellow members with positions such as chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. It is worth noting that the discretion of the committee to make decisions for the body corporate is not unfettered, and in this respect, committees are generally restricted from making decisions in relation to the following (example under section 52 of the Body Corporate and Community Management (Standard Module) Regulation 2020): fixing or changing contribution levies; changing rights, privileges, or obligations of members; starting legal proceedings. If there’s a body corporate and a committee, what is left for the body corporate manager to do? That’s a good question, and the answer is simple: it depends. The role of the body corporate manager is to support the body corporate in discharging its administrative function. You might be thinking that serves the same purpose as the committee, except that section 119 of the BCCMA allows community title schemes with a committee to engage a body corporate manager to exercise some, or all, of the powers of an executive member of the committee. Most commonly, a body corporate manager will be authorised to perform powers such as managing compliance with the BCCMA, preparing annual budgets, and issuing and monitoring levy payments. Why do I have to pay contributions? Subject to the applicable regulation module, a body corporate is required to establish and keep an administrative fund and a sinking fund. What is the difference? Well, it’s in the name. Sort of. The purpose of the administrative fund is to deal with the day-to-day running expenses of the body corporate, such as maintenance, repairs, and paying for any service contractors engaged by the body corporate (ensuring the steam room remains functional and common property areas are maintained). The sinking fund can be thought of as the ‘piggy bank’ of the body corporate. It deals with larger items of a capital or non-recurrent nature, such as replacing body corporate assets, or painting of the building. Each year the body corporate passes a budget for each fund, and it follows that contributions to those funds are levied on you, the lot owner. So, should I buy into that new development after all? Well, that’s a matter for you. It might be that you take some comfort in knowing the reality, at least from a governance perspective, that community title schemes are highly regulated and subject at all times to the scrutiny of their members, and prospective buyers. For assistance with a property matters, please contact (07) 4771 5664 today!
Debt Recovery in Queensland: Your Options Explained
If you are owed money, understanding your options for debt recovery in Queensland is important. This article outlines the steps and legal avenues available to recover debts. Letter of Demand Before initiating any legal proceedings, we can assist you with drafting a letter of demand. This formal communication requests the repayment of a debt, or the fulfillment of an obligation specified in an agreement. A letter of demand is typically the final step before initiating legal action and should be taken seriously. Where to Start Legal Proceedings The appropriate venue for a debt recovery action depends on the amount of the debt: Up to $25,000: Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) $1 to $150,000: Magistrates Court $150,000 to $750,000: District Court Over $750,000: Supreme Court QCAT QCAT handles debt disputes involving individuals, businesses, or companies for amounts up to $25,000. These debts may include outstanding invoices, overdue rent, or unpaid loans. To begin a QCAT application, the creditor completes an application form and submits it to the tribunal. The debtor is then formally notified of the claim via personal service and given 28 days to either settle the debt or contest the claim. We can assist you in preparing your QCAT application. QCAT processes minor debt disputes in two scenarios: Claims under $1,500 proceed directly to a hearing without mediation; or Claims over $1,500 undergo mediation first, and if unresolved, are scheduled for a hearing. We can also assist with the enforcement of QCAT orders or provide advice on navigating the QCAT application process. Court Proceedings To initiate court proceedings, the creditor submits a claim and a statement of claim to the Magistrates Court, District Court, or Supreme Court, depending on the debt amount. These documents must be personally served upon the debtor. The debtor will then either take no action, pay the debt, or contest the claim by filing a defence. If the debtor takes no action, the creditor can apply for default judgment 28 days after serving the debtor. Once the court issues a judgment, the creditor will either receive payment or can begin the enforcement process. If the claim is defended, the matter will likely be referred for mediation or alternative dispute resolution before any hearing or trial. Once a judgement is ordered it can significantly impact a debtor's credit rating for up to six years and enforcement proceedings may involve measures such as seizing assets (vehicles or homes) or garnishing funds from bank accounts or wages. For individual debtors, there is the possibility of pursuing a Bankruptcy Order (Sequestration Order). For company debtors, initiating the process of winding up the company may be an option if they are unable to repay the debt within a specified timeframe. There is a six-year limitation period from the time the debt was incurred to initiate any debt recovery action. For assistance with debt recovery matters, please contact our dispute resolution team today.
The Connolly Suthers Difference
At Connolly Suthers, we feel privileged to be entrusted with our client's legal affairs, helping them navigate what is often some of the most challenging times of their lives. Our diverse, talented team has considerable expertise in multiple aspects of law and channel this experience to make a substantial, positive difference in the lives of locals.
We believe that your lawyer should have a significant understanding of how Townsville operates and its underlying cultural systems to provide the most genuine, useful legal advice possible. That’s why we frequently employ experienced legal professionals locally from within North Queensland, possessing a proud history of employing law graduates from James Cook University. Not only does this allow us to give back to the local community, but it only boosts our ability to deliver the most relevant and beneficial legal advice possible.
Our genuine care for the wellbeing of our clients and attention to detail in every case is what sets us apart from other law firms in Queensland. From criminal law to personal injury law, family disputes, property settlements, child custody, and traffic offences, we'll be in your corner, every step of the legal process. If you’re looking for legal support in Townsville, we’re here to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible. Call Connolly Suthers on 07 4771 5664 to get help today.
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If you have an ongoing case with another firm and you are unhappy with how things are progressing, you might want to consider switching to the local lawyers at Connolly Suthers.
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Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What legal services do Connolly Suthers offer?
We operate across a range of legal matters including compensation, family, wills & estates, property, conveyancing, business, dispute resolution and criminal law; helping a variety of clients across Queensland to navigate the legal system.
It’s highly likely that you’ll need the services of a lawyer at least once in your lifetime. When you turn to Connolly Suthers for legal assistance, you can be confident that you’ll receive quality legal advice with a personal touch, regardless of which service you require. Our criminal lawyers, family lawyers, and compensation solicitors are here to help with the most common types of legal problems faced in these areas of concern.
Whether you're facing criminal offences, are dealing with a family law matter, looking to file compensation claims, have traffic offences, a domestic violence order, class actions, or just require an experienced team to assure a successful legal outcome, we can provide specialised advice for a wide range of concerns and legal issues.
Whatever type of legal assistance you need, we’re sure to be able to help. At Connolly Suthers, we have considerable experience and knowledge in all aspects of compensation law, family law, wills and estates, property law, criminal law, conveyancing, business services and dispute resolution.
We have Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialists in Property Law, Succession Law, Family law and Personal Injuries Litigation. Combining extensively trained and experienced legal practitioners with state-of-the-art communications and technology, Connolly Suthers delivers an unrivalled level of legal service in the Northern Queensland region. Get in touch with our team today - we're here to provide legal advice for a wide range of legal matters.
Do you offer No-Win, No-Fee?
Yes we offer no-win, no-fee services because we believe that nobody should be denied justice as a result of limited finances. We offer no-win, no-fee services in a range of matters including:
- Traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Public liability accidents
- Medical negligence claims
- Life insurance claims
- Superannuation claims
- Certain commercial disputes
With Connolly Suthers Townsville Lawyers, you get the legal representation that you deserve without the worry of paying legal costs in the event that you lose your case. Our compassionate, friendly team understand the value of excellent service when facing a legal problem and a difficult time. Work with the solicitors that understand you and prioritise your needs – work with Connolly Suthers.
How much does representation with Connolly Suthers cost?
All Connolly Suthers clients receive the absolute highest level of quality legal representation and advice available in the region. Generally the cost of our legal services will vary based on the time required for our legal team to work on your case and the extent of the case as a whole, unless it is one of our fixed-fee services.
Regardless, we believe that nobody should be denied justice as a result of limited finances and that’s why we offer no-win, no-fee services in a range of matters including:
- Traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Public liability accidents
- Medical negligence claims
- Life insurance claims
- Superannuation claims
- Certain commercial disputes
With Connolly Suthers Townsville Lawyers, you get the legal representation that you deserve without the worry of paying legal costs in the event that you lose your case. Work with the lawyers that understand you and prioritise your needs – Connolly Suthers.
How do you charge? Will I need to pay upfront? What are your prices like?
Most legal services are charged in accordance with a costs agreement which is provided to you at the commencement of the matter. Usually this must be signed and returned before any work is completed. This includes work done in most areas such as family law, personal injury, large commercial and leasing work, criminal law and estate administration. From your first phone call, your family lawyer, criminal lawyer, personal injury or estate solicitors can walk you through these fees work.
There are fixed price services available for basic conveyancing, wills and enduring powers of attorney. No nasty surprises - just a team who are committed to the best outcome. Please contact our office for more information about these services.
Do you offer payment plans?
Generally, no. However, you should feel free to discuss your financial situation with the solicitor involved with your case, at your initial appointment at Connolly Suthers. We understand that moving through the legal system can get expensive - from your first phone call, our compassionate team will openly discuss fees and work in your best interests, in a timely manner, to achieve a positive outcome.
Do you certify documents? Do you have JPs available?
We usually only certify documents for clients of Connolly Suthers or in the course of matters in which we are involved. If you are looking to find a JP you can search for one here.
Do you hold relatives' documents in safe custody? What can you hold in safe custody?
For client's of Connolly Suthers we offer the service of storing in our safe custody original Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Certificates of Title, etc.
How are you involved with the Townsville Community?
The partners and staff of Connolly Suthers have long-standing ties throughout the local community. Over a large number of years we have supported various clubs and sporting teams in Townsville and in the Burdekin. We are regular supporters of Ronald McDonald House and the Vinnies foundation.
Find out more about our contributions to the local community here.
How do I contact Connolly Suthers?
You can call our Townsville QLD office on 07 4771 5664 during business hours.
Alternatively, submit an email enquiry to law@cosu.com.au and the Connolly Suthers team will endeavour to respond to your enquiry within one business day.
Where are your other offices located?
Our offices are located at 416 Flinders Street, Townsville and 180 Queen Street, Ayr.
We visit Cairns, Brisbane and Mount Isa as well as other regions throughout North Queensland by appointment.