Bennett & Philp Lawyers

01/06/2026

In our previous article, we examined the expanding powers of the Federal Committee of Inquiry and the increasing compliance risks facing pharmacists at a Commonwealth level.
This follow‑up article focuses on a significant and emerging shift at the state level, where disciplinary proceedings may no longer remain confined to state regulators. In certain circumstances, state‑based findings can now trigger immediate federal consequences, placing a pharmacy’s PBS approval — and therefore the viability of the business, directly at risk.
The article explains how this regulatory crossover is unfolding, why the risk is no longer theoretical, and what pharmacy owners should be considering when responding to disciplinary action. What may once have been viewed as a contained state process can now escalate quickly, making early and informed legal advice critical.
Together with Part 1, this article highlights a changing regulatory landscape for pharmacy owners, where governance, compliance and proactive risk management are more important than ever.

Read the full article here:

https://www.bennettphilp.com.au/blog/new-risks-for-pharmacy-owners-facing-state-disciplinary-proceedings-now-the-pbs-approval-may-be-immediately-at-risk

For further information or advice, please contact Andrew Lambros

01/06/2026

Sunday 24 May 2026 was a big day for Broken to Brilliant on which there was celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Broken to Brilliant as well as the launch of the book, Violence to Victory. Bennett & Philp is very proud to have been the Gold Sponsors of this important event and to have participated on the day. We recognise the incredible dedication of the Broken to Brilliant team and its volunteers, whose ongoing commitment plays a critical role in empowering survivors of domestic violence and abuse and amplifying their voices.

During the day, Katherine Lambros and Andrew Lambros attended the 10-year anniversary celebrations. This significant milestone marked a decade of supporting domestic violence survivors to build safe, independent and fulfilling futures – work that continues to make a meaningful difference across the community. Katherine was honoured to be invited to speak during the day. Katherine has presented at Broken to Brilliant’s Legal Laureates Program for the last 3 years, providing survivors with practical insights into the legal system.

Sunday evening saw the formal launch of Violence to Victory, the 5th book published by Broken to Brilliant authored by survivors. In Violence to Victory, ten survivors describe their unique experiences of domestic and family violence in the silent spaces of rural, regional or remote Australia and their inspirational and ongoing journeys to recover and rebuild. Having conducted a pre-publication legal review of the book, Michael Coates was honoured to be asked to speak at the launch to explain the legal context in which the book was authored and published so as to allow the authors’ stories to be told.

29/05/2026

Queensland pharmacy owners: the 2nd November 2026 deadline is closer than it looks, and waiting could put your business at real risk.

With the Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2024 now fully in force, many existing pharmacy ownership structures are unintentionally non‑compliant. Discretionary trusts, corporate owners and non‑practising pharmacists are particularly exposed under the tightened “material interest” rules.
This article explains why waiting until your structure is fixed before applying for a pharmacy business licence may be the most costly mistake you make.
If you own a pharmacy in Queensland and haven’t yet engaged with the licensing process, this is essential reading to understand your options and your exposure before time runs out.

For advice or assistance with your QPBOC licence application and ownership compliance, contact Andrew Lambros, Managing Director or Chris Lillie, Director.

Read the full article here:

https://www.bennettphilp.com.au/blog/apply-for-qpboc-queensland-pharmacy-business-ownership-license-by-2-november-2026

28/05/2026

We'd like to share some wonderful news from within the Bennett & Philp team. Please join us in congratulating Katherine Lambros on her promotion to Director, effective 1 June.
Since joining the firm in 2020, Katherine has built a strong reputation as a trusted and compassionate family lawyer, known for her clear advice and unwavering commitment to her clients. Over the years, her practice has continued to grow in both depth and impact, reflecting not only her technical skill but also the care and integrity she brings to every matter.
Katherine’s work covers a broad range of complex family law matters. This includes:

• Cross‑border child and property matters, supported through our international Meritas network of independently owned law firms
• Complex child protection and guardianship litigation against the State, particularly matters involving significant health considerations
• Supporting self‑represented parties, including her involvement in Bennett & Philp’s sponsorship of Broken to Brilliant and the Legal Laureates program, assisting family violence survivors to navigate the legal system.

While this provides a snapshot, it represents just part of the work Katherine is involved in as part of her broader practice.
Her promotion to Director recognises the leadership she shows within the firm, the trust she has earned from her clients, and the meaningful contribution she continues to make to the wider community.

Congratulations Katherine, a truly well‑deserved achievement. We wish you every success and fulfilment in your new role.

19/05/2026

It was wonderful to come together as a firm today to support Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and raise funds for Cancer Council Australia 💛 .
Thank you to everyone who baked, donated and took part. Your generous donations support a cause that impacts so many, helping raise funds for cancer research, support services, prevention programs, and advocacy.

19/05/2026

Recent proposed changes to the taxation of discretionary trusts could fundamentally reshape how Queensland business owners structure their affairs — but an often overlooked clause in older trust deeds may determine whether a restructure is commercially viable.

This article explores how the Federal Government’s proposed discretionary trust tax changes, when combined with Queensland’s existing transfer duty exemptions, may open the door to cost effective small business restructures from trusts into companies. Importantly, it highlights why “standard” default beneficiary provisions are now front and centre in determining whether duty relief is available.

For business owners and advisers alike, this is a timely reminder that trust deed details matter — particularly as restructuring activity accelerates in response to proposed tax reforms.
For more information or advice on trust restructures and duty implications, contact Bennett & Philp Lawyers’ Business Advisory team.

The Federal Government’s proposed changes to the taxation of discretionary trusts may create one of the most significant small business restructuring opportunities seen in years. Assuming, of course, the legislation survives the usual process of political compromise and lobbying.

29/04/2026

Bennett & Philp welcomes Sharon Giardina to our disputes & litigation team as a Senior Associate.

Sharon brings a broad and thoughtful practice across complex commercial disputes, regulatory and advisory work and native title proceedings. Her experience spans Supreme Court and Federal Court litigation, as well as significant work advising Indigenous organisations on governance, compliance and land use arrangements. With a strong track record managing matters from inception through to resolution, Sharon is known for her clear, outcome‑focused approach and her ability to navigate issues at the intersection of legal, cultural and commercial considerations.

We look forward to the expertise and perspective Sharon brings to our team.

🔗 Learn more about Sharon's experience and practice via her full profile on our website.

29/04/2026

Last month, the Bennett & Philp team came together for our annual company retreat at the Novotel Sunshine Coast. The retreat provided a great opportunity to connect outside the office, with team activities designed to suit a range of interests; from go karting for those seeking a thrill, to a round of 18 holes at the Twin Waters Golf Club for our golf enthusiasts.
The agenda focused on Practising with Confidence, with sessions from Andrew Lambros, Michael Coates and Michael Finney. Andrew and Michael led a session exploring the distinction between the practice of law and the business of law, while Michael Finney shared an update on upcoming Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing reforms, with a focus on how we are preparing as a firm ahead of the changes coming into effect from 1 July.
The retreat was a valuable opportunity to combine professional development with collaboration and team connection.

29/04/2026

Technical legal precision can be decisive.

We recently successfully defended a respondent in a significant building adjudication under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act (“the Act”), defeating a claim exceeding $1.3 million.
After carefully reviewing the matter, we carried out a careful statutory and case law analysis of this claim and prepared targeted but detailed legal submissions setting out why the alleged payment claim was not valid under the Act.
The result: no jurisdiction, no award, and a nil adjudicated amount, with the claimant bearing 100% of the adjudicator’s fees as our arguments were accepted by the adjudicator.
A strong reminder that in construction payment claims engaging a lawyer should always be considered as technical legal arguments can decide the whole matter.

10/04/2026

Some recognitions carry extra weight, not just because of who awards them, but because of what they say about long‑term quality, trust and consistency. Meritas latest international recognition by Chambers and Partners is one of those moments.

Bennett & Philp Lawyers has been a proud member of Meritas Law Firms Worldwide since 2017, and this ongoing recognition reflects the shared commitment across the network to high professional standards, trusted collaboration and delivering practical outcomes for clients wherever their business takes them.

Please refer to this link for the article: https://www.bennettphilp.com.au/blog/meritas-reconfirmed-as-an-elite-global-legal-network-by-chambers-and-partners