By Paul Fildes, Principal

Well, 2022 certainly created plenty of challenges for everyone. Family lawyers returned to work recharged in January enjoying brilliant Melbourne weather and time for relaxation after “the Covid experience” and lockdowns in 2021.

Then suddenly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February happened, which apart from being a catastrophic humanitarian event, has resulted in damaging economic impacts in terms of the supply of raw materials of fuel, which has in turn generated substantial inflation and cost of living pressures around the world, and to a lesser extent our country.

We have experienced eight interest rate increases in succession, so okay the rates are not around 18% like in the early 1980s, as us baby boomers reminisce, but the quantum of debt is much greater. Family lawyers and the community are like must now grapple with falling housing valuations, lower business returns, struggles with cash flow, and a likely recessionary environment.

Whilst we no longer have to deal with former President Trump (well to a lesser extent!) we read about the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade. Are they serious? The answer is sadly Yes. Over to the various States to overturn.

Whilst the world population now exceeds 8, billion, we lost Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the hardest working and most humble Royal, and our very own Shane Warne. Life is indeed precious!

For a change us Aussies watched the political melodrama unfold in the UK with Boris Johnson forced to resign, and Liz Truss lasting only 44 days! Is it the end of populism around the world? Scotty (some say from marketing) was replaced by Albo, and relations with China are slowly improving.

Back in good ol’ Melbourne we have enjoyed the three day working week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays whilst working from home Mondays and Fridays. We even don’t mind Zoom and Teams anymore! And lastly, summer appears to finally have arrived after what feels like months of cold and rain. I look forward to Melbourne regaining some of its zest in the New Year!

Enjoy the break everyone. I think 2023 could be a wild ride!