Publications

For construction directors expanding into Queensland, the QBCC Act presents a minefield of unique compliance traps. This guide breaks down the five most critical areas—from personal liability and strict financial requirements to expansive disciplinary powers—that differ significantly from NSW and VIC, helping you avoid the common "compliance shock."

For Queensland developers, viewing legal counsel as a strategic risk management tool rather than a cost is key to protecting profitability. This guide outlines how to address the five most significant construction risks—from ambiguous contracts and BIF Act claims to QBCC directives and subcontractor insolvency—through proactive legal strategies.

The Christmas break poses a hidden threat to Queensland developers, head contractors, and principals. Learn how the BIF Act's unique "business day" definition creates legal deadlines that ignore your office shutdown, and discover the strategic plan you need to avoid catastrophic default liability from an ambush payment claim.

A detailed legal guide to the major changes in Queensland's construction industry for 2025. We break down the BIFOLA Act's pause on Project Trust Accounts, the new statewide Housing Code designed to speed up development, and stricter Work Health and Safety (WHS) reporting obligations. Understand how these reforms, driven by the QBCC's move to a "modern regulator" model, will impact your construction business, from contracts to compliance.

Discover the hidden dangers in a standard Builder's Side Deed. The "Extended Cure Period" clause, designed to protect lenders, can force your builder into insolvency and sabotage your entire project. Learn how developers can negotiate fairer terms to mitigate this critical risk and ensure project viability.

Standard construction contracts are defenceless against AI-generated errors, creating a huge liability gap for developers. Learn how to implement a specific "AI Warranty" clause to make your builder 100% responsible for the accuracy of any AI-generated schedules, designs, or claims, protecting your project from costly tech failures.

A procedural error on a payment claim cost one company $1.3 million. This guide deconstructs the Iris v Descon case and provides a concrete playbook for Queensland developers to manage BIF Act compliance, mitigate risk, and protect project profitability through robust internal processes.

Ditch the risky, one-off preliminary agreements. This guide shows Queensland property developers how to build a scalable PWA system to standardise builder engagement, manage risk across their project pipeline, and ensure compliance with QBCC and BIF Act regulations from day one.

A notice from the QBCC demands a rapid, calculated response. This guide is your legal triage plan—a set of non-negotiable actions to take within the first 48 hours to assess the claim, mitigate exposure, and establish a strong defensive position.

A guide for head contractors on how to legally qualify a statutory declaration when a payment dispute with a subcontractor arises. Learn the "carve-out" strategy to ensure you get paid by the principal without committing perjury, and understand the steps to take when escalating the dispute through the QBCC or QCAT.

When a principal contractor hits you with a lowball payment schedule, your first 24 hours are critical. This playbook provides a time-critical guide for Queensland subcontractors to fight back using the BIF Act adjudication process, from gathering evidence to filing a claim and enforcing a decision.

In the rush to secure work, it's easy to sign a subcontractor agreement that looks standard but is loaded with "hidden costs"—clauses that can decimate your profit margin, delay payments, and expose your business to catastrophic risk. This guide dissects these contractual traps and explains your rights under Queensland law.

A comprehensive guide for Queensland subcontractors on how to strategically use their subcontract, insurance policies, and the BIF Act to challenge and defeat unfair back-charges and set-off claims from head contractors. Learn the step-by-step defensive playbook to protect your payments and your business.

Queensland subcontractors struggling with unpaid invoices? This comprehensive guide reveals how subcontractors' charges under the BIF Act can freeze payments at the source and secure what you're owed. Learn step-by-step procedures, strict deadlines, and your legal rights to protect cash flow and prevent business-destroying payment delays. Don't let contractors' poor practices jeopardize your survival—discover your powerful legal remedies today.

Struggling with unpaid invoices in the QLD construction industry? The BIF Act is your most powerful tool for getting paid. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the strict deadlines for payment claims, the severe consequences of late payment schedules, and your legal right to suspend work for non-payment. Learn how to enforce your rights and protect your business's cash flow.

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.

This article delves into the adjudication process, outlining how to apply for adjudication, the role of adjudicators, and the specific steps

Explore the adjudication process in Queensland under the Building Industry Fairness Act 2017.