Construction companies must avoid costly legal disputes

On 20 August 2020, the Victorian premier announced that the government would extend the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme until 31 December 2020.

Landlords, tenants and centre managers should assess how their obligations will be affected, to revise their procedures.

Significant changes are on the horizon for NSW’s building and construction industry, reshaping prefabricated construction, building approvals, design variations and regulatory accountability.

The Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026 represents a comprehensive overhaul of New South Wales' building approvals regime, introducing significant reforms to streamline processes and support housing targets.

Directors who sign retail leases on behalf of company tenants often provide personal guarantees without fully understanding the scope of their liability. This liability can extend far beyond unpaid rent to include outgoings, interest, make-good costs, and enforcement expenses, persisting even after resignation or business sale. Understanding the distinction between guarantees and indemnities, and knowing when statutory protections may apply, is essential for directors seeking to limit their personal exposur

The collapse of the Bathla Group has sent ripples through Australia's construction sector, raising critical questions about financial distress management in major projects. With Queensland delivering an unprecedented infrastructure pipeline amid margin pressures and market uncertainty, are project participants adequately prepared to identify and respond to insolvency warning signs before external administrators arrive?

South Australia's Stamp Duties (Residential Purposes and Residential Land) Amendment Act 2026 (Amendment Act) came into operation on 15 September 2026 and introduced significant amendments...

Construction law in Queensland establishes a comprehensive framework governing building contracts, payment rights, dispute resolution, and remedies. The legislation creates rapid adjudication mechanisms and strict compliance requirements that can determine the outcome of disputes within days. Understanding how statutory rules interact with contractual terms is essential for protecting rights and avoiding costly procedural mistakes.

The Victorian Court of Appeal has reinforced that security of payment legislation creates a separate interim right to payment, confirming parties cannot use Australian Consumer Law claims to prevent enforcement of adjudication determinations. This decision examines whether allegations of misleading conduct regarding project costs and timelines can circumvent the 'pay now, argue later' regime established under Victoria's Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act.

This monthly roundup examines five significant NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions from August 2026 that clarify critical aspects of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999, including payment claim validity, procedural fairness in adjudications, and enforcement of judgment debts. The cases address contentious issues such as the 12-month limitation period for payment claims, the relevance of unpaid judgment debts in security for costs applications, and the scope of sec

On 18 February 2011 the Full Federal Court unanimously overturned the 2009 Federal Court ruling which cleared Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) and its Chairman and CEO Mr Andrew Forrest of misleading and deceptive conduct.

As wearable AI technology becomes more prevalent, employers face critical decisions about whether to ban smart glasses in the workplace. This analysis explores the privacy, cybersecurity, and workplace surveillance risks associated with AI-enabled eyewear, while examining the legal framework for regulating their use. Two important exceptions—disability accommodations and workplace safety—complicate what might otherwise be a straightforward prohibition.

Corporate Australia complicit in Australia Day swaps enshrined in EBAs.

Public sector employees who oppose the TikTok ban would struggle to defend its use on work-issued phones.

A recent NSW Supreme Court decision examines whether the 10-year statutory limitation period on building defect claims can be extended for contribution claims, and whether parties can amend pleadings on the final day before the limitation period expires.

New South Wales has introduced strict legislation targeting landlords who knowingly permit tenants to sell illicit tobacco and vapes from their premises. With penalties reaching $165,000 and potential imprisonment, property owners must now actively monitor tenant activities and report suspicious behavior. The legislation also grants landlords new powers to terminate leases when closure orders are issued, fundamentally changing the landlord-tenant relationship in commercial retail settings.

Link to article which discusses the problem with excessive amounts of accrued leave for both employers and employees.

Link to interview discussing casual employment & the new Victorian sick leave proposals.

Sacking workers who protested outside CFMEU headquarters was justified, as they threatened their employers' reputation.

There are considerable savings employers can make when employees work from home (WFH) rather than from the office.