DP O’Keefe Macquarie Law is a legal office in Dubbo NSW Australia.
Dan O’Keefe is an experienced solicitor, accredited business law specialist, mediator and notary public.
Providing practical, cost-effective & confidential advice.
Come to us for a high level of service in a friendly & personal manner.
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Australian Tax Office (ATO) practises in the news
The ATO has been in the news quite a bit lately after a Four Corners segment on ABC TV. The Wizard of Id cartoon in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday 16 April 2018 coincidentally had a strip on the King announcing a simplified tax system.
The ATO has responded to the criticism saying that a small sample has shown only one side of the story (see ATO media release). The Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman has also expressed views (see ASBFEO site). The Tax Institute is suggesting an independent body for examination when there are allegations of inappropriate behaviour by ATO officers (Tax Institute TaxVine 13 April 2018).
Is the appointment of a guardian necessary?
Health professionals must get their patient's consent to treatment. If the patient is incapable of giving consent their "responsible person" can consent for them. The Guardianship Act 1987 specifies who the responsible person is. It is usually a spouse, carer or relative.
It is also possible to appoint an enduring guardian which unlike a power of attorney only comes into effect when you become incapacitated. That is because a guardian makes decisions about your health, care and accommodation, which is not necessary for the guardian to do if you have the capacity to do it for yourself.
The appointment of a guardian is very important if you do not have immediate family that medical professionals can speak to in the event of your incapacity. Consider giving your family directions about organ donation, your medical treatments and life support for you.
(See NCAT Guardianship Division Factsheet - Person responsible)
Teacher awarded six-figure payout after being bullied by school principal
(See Sydney Morning Herald article by Pallavi Singhal 20 September 2017)
If you or someone you know needs help, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 44 or Kid's HelpLine on 1800 55 1800
