Tax Debt Recovery and Director Penalties Upheld
The Court granted summary judgment in favour of the ATO, ordering the defendant to pay over $442,000 in unpaid income tax, director penalties, and administrative penalties. Most defences—including non-receipt of notices and claims of incorrect assessments—were rejected, with the Court confirming that tax assessments are generally conclusive in recovery proceedings.
Read MoreDirector Held Liable for $178K in Unpaid Tax Obligations
The Court ruled that the defendant had no viable defence, confirming personal liability for company tax debts. Summary judgment was granted without trial, reinforcing the strict enforcement of director obligations under tax law.
Read MoreSummary Judgment Granted in Tax Debt Recovery Case
The Court ruled there was no genuine defence to the ATO’s claim, confirming director liability and awarding judgment, interest, and costs. The matter was resolved without trial due to insufficient evidence from the defendant.
Read MoreAppeal Allowed – No Equivalence Between Certifier and Engineer
The Federal Court confirmed that overlapping responsibilities do not establish legal equivalence. The applicant’s NSW registration did not meet the threshold for recognition in Queensland, and the Tribunal’s earlier decision was set aside.
Read MoreNDIS Support Request Denied on Clinical and Value Grounds
The Tribunal affirmed that the requested support lacked sufficient clinical evidence, failed to demonstrate long-term benefit, and was not cost-effective compared to established treatments. As a result, funding was denied.
Read MoreFailure to Substantiate Income Claims Results in Upheld Tax Penalties
Despite arguments that excess funds were overpayments or not assessable income, the Tribunal found insufficient evidence to support these claims. The taxpayer did not meet the burden of proof, leading to confirmation of increased taxable income and penalties of up to 50% for recklessness, with no remission granted.
Read MoreDecision: Applicant’s Submission to Replead Accepted
The Commission granted the Applicant leave to file a second amended statement of facts and contentions, after determining the original submission failed to adequately set out the material facts required to support the claim.
Read MoreSentence - Drug Trafficking - Supreme Court of Queensland
The client pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine before the Supreme Court of Queensland. Mathew undertook extensive work prior to the sentence and as a result the client received a wholly suspended sentence (he did not spend a day in prison) and walked out of court with us. He has returned to life and now has a thriving business in construction.
Bail Application - NSW Local Court
The client had been charged with serious offences following a joint operation between NSW and Qld Police specialist detectives, and bail had been declined at first application. We were retained following the unsuccessful attempt at bail. We identified significant anomalies and were able to bring a secondary bail application based on a change of circumstances. The application was successful and the client, after spending several weeks in prison, was released on bail.
The client was sentenced in the District Court NSW.
The client entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment wholly suspended and a $100 good behaviour order. The client walked out of court with us following his sentence - he is now getting on with his life following a gruelling and challenging period.
Multiple Contraventions of Domestic Violence - Magistrates Court QLD
The client was charged with multiple breaches of a domestic violence order. Mathew Cuskelly appeared before the Magistrates Court and made submissions as to why the man should not be jailed. The client received probation (period of supervision by the court). The client walked out of court and returned to get on with life.
Trial - Magistrates Court QLD
The client was charged with wilful damage and breaching a domestic violence order. Mathew conducted the trial, cross examining witnesses and police. The Magistrates found the client NOT GUILTY.
Bail Application - Torture / Poisoning etc
The client had been arrested and denied bail by police. Mathew immediately went into action, contacting the watchhouse, obtaining the necessary paperwork from police. Rather than risking a failed bail application Mathew strategically adjourned the matter allowing more time to assemble a compelling argument in favour of the client's bail. At the hearing Mathew expertly advocated for the client's interests before the Deputy Chief Magistrate of Queensland. Bail was granted and the client was released from prison.
ATO Tax Liability Proceeding
The client was alleged to owe the ATO close to $2 million. Mathew immediately and strategically went about preparing and filing a defence to the alleged liabilities. The defence has been filed in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Mathew is strategically preparing a reply to the alleged liability involving the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
Drink Driving - Reading 0.323
The client was charged with high range drink driving. We appeared before the court and expertly navigated the court through the legislation. The client was not convicted of the traffic offence, he received a monetary fine that was referred to SPER, and received a far lower monetary fine than would have been otherwise available.