Latest News
View AllLevel Twenty Seven Chambers ranked as a leading set by Chambers and Partners APAC Guide 2025
Shane Doyle KC, Damian Clothier KC, Mark Robertson KC, Paul McQuade KC, Michael Hodge KC, Stewart Webster KC, Michael Trim, Michael May, Florence Chen, Claire Schneider — Building & Construction, Competition & Consumer, Corporate Insolvency & Bankruptcy, International, Tax
Released today, Chambers and Partners has again recognised Level Twenty Seven Chambers as a leading set in its 2025 guide to barristers practising in dispute resolution in the Asia-Pacific region. Receiving a particularly large body of positive interviewee feedback and a Band 2 ranking, Chambers and Partners describes Level Twenty Seven Chambers as…
Upcoming Seminars
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Latest Publications
View AllVanderstock v Victoria: Free Trade and Federalism (2024) 35 (1) Federal Law Review Law Review 13-23
1-5-24 / Sarah Spottiswood — Appellate, Judicial Review & Administrative, Tax
In Vanderstock v Victoria (2023) 98 ALJR 208, a 4-3 majority of the High Court held that a tax imposed by Victoria on the use of electric and hybrid vehicles was invalid. The majority held that the tax was a "duty of excise" which, under section 90 of the 'Constitution',…
The Use and Limits of Statutory Purpose in the Interpretation of Legislation
27-11-23 / Roger Traves KC — Appellate, Banking, Building & Construction, Commercial Equity, Contract, Corporations, Inquiries & Coronial Inquests, Insurance, Judicial Review & Administrative, Land Law & Property, Native Title & Cultural Heritage, Planning & Environment, Professional Discipline & Regulatory, Professional Negligence, Resources & Energy, Sport, Succession, Tax
In his article The Use and Limits of Statutory Purpose in the Interpretation of Legislation, Roger Traves KC considers a framework of approach to statutory construction and the use and limits of statutory purpose. Who should read? Advisory and litigation lawyers across all practice areas. What does the…
Taking Stock of Vanderstock: Section 90, Electric Vehicles and the Future of State Taxes on Goods
9-11-23 / Sarah Spottiswood, Michael Maynard — Judicial Review & Administrative, Tax
In the decision Vanderstock v Victoria [2023] HCA 30, the High Court held by a narrow 4:3 majority that a tax imposed by Victoria on the use of electrical and hybrid vehicles (EVs) was invalid. The decision is significant because the majority reopened and overruled previous High Court authority to reach…
Recent Cases
View AllFord v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] QSC 133
2-7-25 / Florence Chen — Tax
Florence Chen represented the respondent, instructed by Crown Solicitor. This case concerned an application questioning a Notice of Assessment issued by the respondent Commissioner. The Applicant sought a declaration that the Notice of Assessment had “no standing” due to shortcomings in procedural fairness, and breaches of ss 41 and 42…
Merchant v Commissioner of Taxation (Costs) [2025] FCAFC 81
16-6-25 / Michael May — Tax
Michael May (led by Dominic O'Sullivan KC) appeared for the appellants, instructed by HLS Tax Law. This judgement was published in addition to the Court’s reasons in respect of an appeal from related first instance judgements, specifically concerning the form of orders and costs. The Court considered the effect of…
Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v Peever [2025] FCA 460
9-5-25 / Florence Chen, Tim Elliss — Tax
Florence Chen (led by Ms E Bishop SC) appeared for the Applicant, instructed by K & L Gates. Tim Elliss represented the first respondent, instructed by Cooper Grace Ward. An application was made by the Australian Newspaper for access to selected documents and transcripts relevant to the proceeding on foot.…
