Publications

Queensland's Project Trust Account system represents a fundamental shift in construction payment management. If you're a builder or contractor, understanding your PTA obligations isn't just compliance—it's crucial for business survival. Are you prepared? Do you know when a PTA is required and how to manage one correctly? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Queensland's Project Trust Account regime: 2025 changes, impacts on construction industry, and how to prepare for enhanced payment security.

Did you know the Queensland Government has passed further amendments to the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) (BIF Act) in an attempt to clarify how project bank accounts (PBAs) are to operate. Get your hand out of the cookie jar The amendments aim to further restrict a head contractor’s ability to access amounts in PBAs. Previously as drafted, Head contractors were able to contort the intent of the laws by relying on the fact that if an amo

The Queensland Government has passed further amendments to the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) (BIF Act) in an attempt to clarify how project bank accounts (PBAs) are to operate. The BIF Act provides sweeping changes to existing construction and licensing legislation in Queensland.  Subcontractors charges WARNING - A subcontractor’s charge that is inconsistent with subsection (1) is of no effect and does not attach – talk to Merlo Law toda

From March 2018, government projects with a contract price between $1 million-$10 million require a Project Bank Account ( PBA ). PBAs will only apply to contracts where more than 50% of the contract price is for building work, where the principal is the State government or authority (if they elect to opt in) and when the head contractor enters into a subcontract for all or part of the contracted building work. PBAs are NOT required for maintenance work contracts or contract