Common amendments in standard form contracts

Whilst it is clear that standard form contracts are used in Australia and that there is some familiarity with them within the building and construction industry, they are often significantly amended. Theses for this vary, but in a large part it is because of the age of the contracts with some being related two decades ago, changes in legislation, and issues that were not previously contemplated (eg COVID-19).

Professor John Sharkey AM had undertaken a survey and prepared a report in relation to the use of standard form contracts in Australia, which suggested that

• 54% of those surveyed believe that there is no current standard form capable of being used in Australia without substantial amendment;