Author: Leanne Taylor

Can I return to work after a successful TPD claim?
Workers who claim TPD benefits after injury or illness often ask us if there are any options to return to work after receiving their TPD payout. The short answer is, there are some options but there are limitations and conditions.

Direct Pathway for New Zealand Citizens Applying for Australian Citizenship
In April 2023, the Australian government announced a new direct pathway for eligible New Zealand Citizens applying for Australian Citizenship. The new direct pathway commences from 1 July 2023 and is available to New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa and who meet the eligibility criteria.

COVID-19 concessions for visa applicants and holders
The Department of Home Affairs has implemented a number of concessions for visa holders and visa applicants due to the adverse impact of the pandemic on the Australian economy.

Temporary concessions to permanent residence pathway for certain employer sponsored visa holders
The Department of Home Affairs introduced changes to the transitional pathway to permanent residence for some employer sponsored visa holders, from 1 July 2022.

Insurance options inside superannuation
Most superannuation funds provide very cost-effective insurance options for workers, including TPD, income protection and death benefits. Learn more about these types of insurance available through your super.

Difference between accumulation and defined benefit super funds
There are two primary types of super funds; defined benefit funds and accumulation funds. In this article, we look at the differences between these types of funds.

Permanent residency for New Zealanders living in Australia
A close look at one option for permanent residency for New Zealand citizens: Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) (New Zealand Stream) Visa for Subclass 444 visa holders.

Australian citizenship applications and the character test
Someone granted citizenship who later displays attributes which bring into question their “good character” can find themselves in circumstances where the government seeks to revoke their citizenship status.

Federal Court determines insurer acted unfairly in cancelling policy and demanding $24,649.91 from the insured individual
After being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, a woman made a claim on her income protection insurance. Not only was the claim was denied by TAL, but they also cancelled her insurance policy and advised her that she owed them $24,649.91 for a “breach of your duty of good faith”.

Appeal options for visa applicants rejected due to failing the health requirement
In Australia, most visa applicants must meet minimum health requirements before a visa will be granted. It’s called ‘obtaining a health clearance’. In recent times, there has been a number of media articles about applicants failing this requirement and looking at having to leave the country.

Who can help with your Australian visa application?
In Australia, there are strict guidelines and processes for all visa applications and it’s not simply a matter of having a friend help you with your application.

Super Decision: High Court allows recovery of dying man’s lost superannuation payments
Most Australian workers will have superannuation. They will have a fund balance which comprises contributions made over their years of employment. Most will have insurance options; primarily TPD insurance and…