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The Subcontractor's 21-Day Playbook for Defeating a Statutory Demand
A statutory demand is a legal ambush that can put your company out of business in 21 days. Learn how to fight back using a genuine offsetting claim for defects, delays, and other back-charges. This emergency guide for Queensland subcontractors explains the critical steps you must take to gather evidence, file a court application, and defeat the demand before the unforgiving deadline expires.

John Merlo
Nov 114 min read


The Subcontractor's QCAT Knockout - How to Dismiss a Head Contractor's Claim Before It Starts
A head contractor has filed a QCAT application against you. Before you start defending your work, learn about the "jurisdictional knockout"—a powerful legal strategy to get the case dismissed on a technicality, saving you time and money. This guide covers the fatal errors head contractors make and how you can use them to your advantage.

John Merlo
Oct 3113 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 Shield: Using Insurance Clauses to Defeat Unfair Back-Charges and Set-off claims in QLD
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.

John Merlo
Oct 820 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


Subcontractors' Charges: A Subby's Ultimate Guide to Getting Paid in Queensland
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.

John Merlo
Aug 1515 min read
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