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The Developer's Gambit: Using QBCC Contract Non-Compliance to Trigger a JV Default
Learn how a JV partner's failure to use QBCC-compliant building contracts can be framed as a material breach of your development agreement, providing a powerful and legally defensible trigger to enforce default provisions, take control of a project, or terminate the partnership.

John Merlo
Nov 715 min read


How QLD's 2025 Defamation Reforms Protect Property Developers Online
Discover how Queensland's proposed 2025 defamation law reforms would provide a powerful 'corporate shield' for property developers. Learn how to prepare for the ability to unmask anonymous online attackers, hold digital platforms accountable, and integrate these proposed new legal tools into your risk management strategy to protect your company's reputation and bottom line.

John Merlo
Nov 513 min read


The Developer's QCAT Blueprint: Using Your Contractual Matrix as a Shield in Building Disputes
For Queensland property developers, a QCAT building dispute can be a significant threat. This guide outlines a proactive strategy, the "Contractual Shield," showing how to use your project's contractual framework to defend against claims and legally transfer liability to the responsible parties, protecting your finances and reputation.

John Merlo
Oct 3015 min read


Building a Scalable Preliminary Agreement System for Your QLD Project Pipeline
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.

John Merlo
Oct 2913 min read


A Developer's Legal Triage Plan for Defending a QBCC Construction Dispute
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.

John Merlo
Oct 1812 min read


The Red Alert Adjudication Playbook: Your First 24 Hours to Fight a Lowball Payment Schedule in QLD
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.

John Merlo
Oct 1614 min read


The Subcontractor’s Trap - How Hidden Costs in QLD Contracts Are Killing Your Profit
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.

John Merlo
Oct 1416 min read


The Developer's Defence Manual - How to Dismantle a Builder's Quantum Meruit Ambush in Queensland
A builder's post-project quantum meruit claim can be a significant financial threat. Learn the key strategies developers in Queensland can use to dismantle these ambushes, from leveraging watertight contracts and meticulous documentation to challenging the "reasonable value" of the work performed.

John Merlo
Oct 814 min read


A Queensland Subcontractor's Defence Strategy for QBCC Direction to Rectify
A guide for Queensland subcontractors on how to challenge a QBCC Direction to Rectify. Learn to gather evidence and build a case that proves the head contractor's poor instructions or site mismanagement were the true cause of the defect, protecting your licence and finances.

John Merlo
Sep 2915 min read
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