Stephanie Duffy

Victoria’s New Security of Payment Laws: Key Implications for the Construction Sector

Victoria’s security of payment system is expanding significantly, commencing 15 April 2026 (with some limited exceptions). Importantly, the changes will apply to existing construction contracts, as well as new contracts....

Key Construction Law Lessons from 2025

The construction cases handed down in 2025 reinforced a theme that many in the industry already understand in theory, but still get caught out by in practice: process and precision matter. Whether it is the way payment schedules are prepared, or how contracts are formed, the courts have shown little...

2026: Key Construction Changes in Qld, NSW and Vic

2025 brought important legislative shifts across Australia’s east coast construction industry in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. From trust account requirements and contract timeframes to procurement policies, these changes aim to improve fairness and efficiency....

Four Legal Compliance Risks for Contractors in Queensland

This article highlights four important compliance considerations for anyone undertaking building work in Queensland....

Negotiating Force Majeure Clauses in Construction Contracts

Force majeure clauses are gaining prominence in Australian construction contracts as parties grapple with increasing disruptions, from extreme weather and pandemics to geopolitical instability and supply chain shocks....

How Does a Force Majeure Clause Operate in Australia?

In the unpredictable world of construction, even the most carefully managed projects can face disruption. When extreme events hit, from natural disasters to pandemics, a force majeure clause may provide breathing room. But how does such a clause actually operate once it’s in the contract?...

Starting construction work in Queensland? Here’s why you might need a licence!

Queensland’s builder licensing system is like no other in Australia. It extends to a broad range of construction industry participants and projects, and it is heavily regulated....

Significant project trust accounts expansion scheduled for 2025

Under current legislation, Queensland project trust account and retention trust account requirements will be extended....

New Changes to Queensland Statutory Trust Framework

From 1 July 2024, there are new changes to the statutory trusts framework in the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) (‘SOP Act’)....

New laws broaden liability for non-conforming building products in NSW

A broad range of construction industry participants will have new obligations regarding non-conforming building products under recent law reforms in New South Wales. The new laws impact all persons in the “chain of responsibility” for a product – including designers, manufacturers, engineers, architects, suppliers, developers, and builders....
Show more