Source: https://vincentyoung.com.au/tag/coronavirus/
Timestamp: 2020-07-02 22:26:00
Document Index: 16318689

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3']

coronavirus Archives - Vincent Young
Click here to subscribe to our emailed publications.
Fundamentals: Employment + Workplace Relations (2020/2021)
Posted on 2 July 2020 .
The Vincent Young Employment + Workplace Relations team has updated its Employment + Workplace Relations Guide to reflect the changes for this financial year. Download your copy below. If you would like to discuss this further and the implications for your business please contact our Employment + Workplace Relations Partner, Erin Lynch. …
Introduction The Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020 (NSW) (Act) was assented to on 10 June 2020 and will commence on 1 September 2020. The Act applies retrospectively and significantly impacts residential projects delivery, completion, developer cash flow and contractors risks. Developers (you) must note these changes and take relevant measures to …
National Minimum Wage and Modern Award Wages increase by 1.75%
Posted on 23 June 2020 .
Each year the Annual Wage Review is undertaken by an Expert Panel of the Fair Work Commission (Panel). National Minimum Wage This year, the Panel has determined to increase the National Minimum Wage (NMW) by 1.75%. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2020, the NMW will be $753.80 per week …
NSW defect reform | 10 year retrospective duty of care introduced
Posted on 18 June 2020 .
The Building and Design Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) (Act) has commenced. The Act is part of the wider suite of reforms the NSW Government is introducing following recommendations made in the 2018 Shergold and Weir Building Confidence Report. Duty of care on builders The Act creates a statutory duty of care on residential builders to owners of …
Is your casual workforce really casual? The answer might be no.
Posted on 1 June 2020 .
A recent decision by the Full Federal Court has found that an employee who was employed by a labour hire business as a casual and paid as a casual, was in fact “other than a casual employee” for the purposes of: section 86 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) – dealing with …
Security of Payment update | absence of supporting statement not fatal
Posted on 15 May 2020 .
Since supporting statements were introduced into the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 NSW (Act) a question has been whether a payment claim served without one (or with deficiencies in one) is still valid. The answer The Court of Appeal in TFM Epping Land Pty Ltd v Decon Australia Pty Ltd [2020] …
Posted on 8 May 2020 .
Today, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ruled that it has jurisdiction to deal with a dispute about an employer’s practices in respect of the wage condition and minimum payment guarantee obligations that arise under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) from the JobKeeper scheme. The FWC determined that: At the time of …
Posted on 6 May 2020 .
Two recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decisions provide guidance to employers about the approach to varying redundancy pay during the time of COVID-19. The key takeaways are: the FWC may encourage you to consider alternatives to the termination; the onus is on the employer to establish that it cannot pay the amount; and anticipation of …
Posted on 5 May 2020 .
As restrictions around our mobility start to ease, we will likely see more and more employees return to the workplace. At the same time, the Federal Government is encouraging us all to download the tracing application “COVIDSafe”. While it may seem logical that employers have their employees download “COVIDSafe” as they return to workplaces, a …
Posted on 30 April 2020 .
On 28 April 2020, in a bid by the NSW Government to stimulate and lift the economy out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it announced the first tranche of construction projects to undergo the Planning System Acceleration Program (Program). The first tranche of projects The first tranche of projects to undergo the Program consists of 16 …
Posted on 27 April 2020 .
Vincent Young has compiled a list of FAQs to help employers understand the JobKeeper scheme. If you would like to discuss this further and the implications for your business please contact our Employment + Workplace Relations Partner, Erin Lynch. Erin Lynch, Partner M +61 477 330 202 E erin.lynch@vincentyoung.com.au The contents of this publication do not …
Vincent Young has compiled a list of FAQs to help employers who qualify for the JobKeeper scheme. NOTE: The ability to provide these directions and reach these agreements comes from the temporary changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and applies only where the employer qualifies for the JobKeeper Scheme and is entitled to …
COVID-19 UPDATE: Construction sites permitted to operate on weekends + public holidays
Posted on 22 April 2020 .
Two Ministerial Orders have been released in relation to the operation of construction sites under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Construction Work Days) Order 2020 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Infrastructure Construction Work Days) Order 2020 (collectively, Orders). Under both Orders, construction sites are now permitted to operate …
Galaxy Developments Pty Ltd v Civil Contractors (Aust) Pty Ltd t/a CCA Winslow & Ors [2020] QSC 51 (Galaxy Developments Case)
Posted on 17 April 2020 .
The recent decision of the Queensland Supreme Court in Galaxy Developments Pty Ltd v Civil Contractors (Aust) Pty Ltd t/a CCA Winslow & Ors [2020] QSC 51 (Galaxy Developments) examined whether an adjudication determination delivered outside the time period prescribed under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) (Act) is void. Facts …
COVID 19 Update – Temporary Changes to Foreign Investment Framework
Posted on 16 April 2020 .
Temporary changes to Australia’s foreign investment review framework were effective as at 10.30pm, by legal time in the ACT, on 29 March 2020 (Effective Time). The changes were made in response to the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key changes and implications Key changes to the foreign investment review framework and their implications …
Tags: changes, coronavirus, covid19, development, foreign, investment, Property
COVID 19: changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) give employers more flexibility
Posted on 9 April 2020 .
The Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus (Measures No. 2) Act 2020 (Cth) provides for temporary amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) to assist those employers who are eligible for the jobkeeper scheme. The amendments provide for the implementation of further flexibility to deal with the impact of COVID-19. The amendments provide for employers …
Tags: annual leave, changes, coronavirus, directino, fair work act, flexibility, fwc, jobkeeper
COVID-19 Update: SME Commercial Leasing Code of Conduct
Posted on 8 April 2020 .
The National Cabinet agreed to implement a mandatory Code of Conduct on commercial leasing (Code), details of which were revealed on 7 April 2020. The Code imposes a list of good faith leasing principles to existing leasing arrangements across Australia, in response to the economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Code will be …
COVID-19 Update for employers: three changes you may have missed
Posted on 1 April 2020 .
With things changing so rapidly, you may have missed some recent temporary amendments to legislation and modern awards that have been introduced to provide greater flexibility to employers (and employees) during this time. These changes have come into effect in the last week and impact on the taking of long service leave in New South …
Tags: clerks, coronavirus, employees, employers, employment, fairworkact, fairworkcommission, HIGA, temporary
COVID-19 Emergency Lease Legislation
Posted on 27 March 2020 .
The COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (NSW) (‘COVID Act‘) was assented to and became effective as at 25 March 2020. The COVID Act was introduced by the NSW Parliament to address the public health emergency impacts caused by COVID-19 in New South Wales. The measures introduced by the COVID Act will generally operate on …
Tags: coronavirus, leases, Property, retail
Temporary amendments to Australian insolvency laws due to coronavirus effective today
Posted on 25 March 2020 .
The Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 (Cth) (Act) has come into force. The Act, among other things, makes temporary amendments to the Australian insolvency and corporations laws in light of the economic impacts of the coronavirus. Why have the amendments been made? The Act provides temporary relief for financially distressed businesses and individuals in …
Tags: bankruptcy, commercial, coronavirus, econonmic, insolvency, law, lawyers, stimulus
Stay or leave: a guide to coronavirus for employers
Posted on 13 March 2020 .
The employment law team has been assisting clients in traversing the issues that every employer will likely encounter following the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and has developed a quick reference guide. The issues are varied and, in some instances, complex. We encourage you to seek assistance early to avoid falling foul of your legal …
What does the future hold? – the changing landscape for employers in Australia
Posted on 18 February 2020 .
Changes to the industrial relations system are looming, with the Prime Minister asking the Attorney-General in his capacity as Minister for Industrial Relations to look at the system and the Minister releasing two discussion papers seeking input about the operation of certain parts of the system. The closing date for submissions is 3 April 2020. …
Tags: compliance, discussion, employees, employers, employment, enforcement, fwc, FWO, hr, industrial relations, minimum wages, wage theft, wages
Reinstatement win for an employee who tested positive for cannabis
Posted on 17 December 2019 .
A 64 year old employee with six years’ service has been awarded reinstatement by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). The FWC determined that there was no valid reason for dismissal and even if there was a valid reason, the termination of employment was still harsh given the employee’s personal and financial circumstances. The lessons for …
Are confidential wage rates in enterprise agreements a thing of the past?
Posted on 9 December 2019 .
In this Full Bench decision, it was found that the Commission lacked the necessary power to redact the wages rates in the published version of an enterprise agreement. This is the first Full Bench decision to consider the proper construction of sections 601(4)(b) and 594(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act). This …
All in a day’s work: a landmark decision on personal/carer’s leave entitlements
Posted on 9 October 2019 .
The Full Federal Court has handed down an important decision about personal/carer’s leave entitlements under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act). This decision is now the authority for how personal/carer’s leave should be treated and, for some employers, will have significant implications on how they treat personal/carer’s leave. The Court has said that: eligible …
Tags: accrual, carer's leave, employment, fair work act, landmark, modelez, personal leave, sick leave
“Poisonous employee” wins claim of adverse action
Posted on 27 September 2019 .
This recent Federal Circuit Court decision reminds us of the need for employers to ensure that redundancies are implemented on the basis of genuine operational reasons. A decision to terminate an employee’s employment or disestablish an employee’s position where there is a lack of evidence around the operational reasons for the decision is likely to …
Tags: adverse action, employment, fair work, fwc, general protections, termination, workplace right
Are you next?: the implications of underpaying staff
Posted on 18 September 2019 .
The recent headlines involving celebrity chef George Calombaris and the MADE Group of Restaurants serves as a warning to employers about workplace compliance and the consequences of getting it wrong. Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker says “the Fair Work Ombudsman is cracking down on underpayments in the Fast Food, Restaurant and Café sector, and we …
Tags: annualised salary, casuals, compliance, employees, employment, human resources, minimum wages, underpayment
Posted on 2 September 2019 .
The Conveyancing (Legislation) Amendment Act 2018 (Act) was passed by Parliament on 13 November 2018. It deals with aspects of electronic land transactions and off-the-plan sale contracts for residential property. The sections of the Act dealing with electronic land transactions took effect on assent being 22 November 2018. The sections introduced to provide greater protections …
Employee or contractor – which one is it?
Posted on 7 August 2019 .
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has once again confirmed that parties cannot alter the true nature of a relationship by putting a different label on it. “It would be hard to find a clearer case where the indicia were so strong as suggesting this to be an employment relationship and not a contractor relationship. I …
Changes to the Security of Payment Act to commence on 21 October 2019
Posted on 24 July 2019 .
The NSW Government has proclaimed 21 October 2019 as the day on which the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Act 2018 No 78 will commence, introducing the following key changes to the Building and Construction Industry Security of Act 1999 (NSW) (Act): the concept of “reference dates” has been removed with payment …
Posted on 1 July 2019 .
National Minimum Wage Each financial year, the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) Expert Panel for wage reviews undertakes it annual wage review and subsequently publishes its decision. This financial year, the FWC’s decision has resulted in the new national minimum wage being set at $740.80/week or $19.49/hour from the first full pay period on or after …
NSW Government considers new legislation against contractors
In the wake of two well-publicised damaged apartment blocks, the NSW Government has released an update on their plan for legal reform within the building and construction landscape. In short, the NSW Government proposes further regulation and a statutory duty of care. In June 2019, the NSW Government released the “Building Stronger Foundations Discussion Paper” …
Posted on 7 December 2018 .
TALKING POINTS: Contractor’s risk of insolvency Implications on adjudication determination under the Security of Payment Act NSW (SOP Act) Illegal phoenix activity Greenwood Futures v DSD Builders (No 2) [2018] NSWSC 1471 In Greenwood Futures v DSD Builders (No 2), the NSW Supreme Court granted a continuation of stay on an adjudicated amount in …
A developer’s liability arising from an unsigned contract
Posted on 30 November 2018 .
On Appeal (3 August 2018), it was found that builders and persons that are considered to be developers can be equally held liable for defects, under the New South Wales Home Building Act 1989 (HBA) in breach of the statutory warranties. FACTS AT FIRST INSTANCE Mr and Mrs King (Kings) owned a warehouse …
Ipso facto clauses on insolvency
Posted on 15 May 2018 .
On 12 September 2017, reforms to Australia’s corporate insolvency were passed by both Houses of the Australian Federal Parliament, which includes:[1] a) a safe harbour for company directors from personal liability for companies trading insolvent; and b) a stay on the enforcement of ipso facto clauses during a period of restructuring of a company. …
Recent Cases on Restrictions on Vendor’s Right to Rescind in Off the Plan Contracts
Posted on 9 February 2018 .
Sunset clauses are common in off the plan contracts or other contracts where the vendor has obligations to satisfy conditions precedent to complete (Contract). Off the plan contract means a contract for the sale of a residential lot (subject lot) that has not been created at the time that the contract is entered into. A …
Rich man, poor man – Inpecunious claimants enforcing an adjudication determination
Posted on 12 January 2018 .
Can a respondent not pay an adjudication determination because the claimant is acting as if it were broke? An adjudication has been made against a respondent. The builder or subcontractor (the claimant) is on the brink – trading at a loss, firing staff, changing corporate structure. The respondent knows they are close to insolvency, and …
Separable Parts in Staged Development
Posted on 8 December 2017 .
The Strata Building Bond Scheme, which was introduced by the Strata Management Act 2015 (the Act), provides that in situations where the Act applies (See New strata law and building bond regime are set to commence), the developer must give a security (“building bond”) to the Secretary of the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation …
Are you Guaranteeing an Indemnity?
Posted on 8 November 2017 .
Introduction It is common for a contractor to provide an indemnity and/or a guarantee to a principal under a construction contract. However, contractors must know that the two are fundamentally different. They should not take on additional obligations/risks than what is agreed between the parties under the construction contract. For ease of understanding, we shall …
Deeming provisions doomed under the Building and Construction industry Security of Payment Act (1999) NSW (Act)
Posted on 8 October 2017 .
In All Seasons Air Pty Ltd v Regal Consulting Services Pty Ltd [2017] NSWCA 289, the Court of Appeal held that a payment claim served before a reference date will be invalid under the Act despite a provision in a contract deeming that the service of the payment claim is taken to have been made …
Stamp Duty Relief for Australian-Based Foreign Developers
Posted on 8 September 2017 .
A bill has recently passed through both Houses of the NSW Parliament entitled the State Revenue Legislation Amendment (Surcharge) Bill 2017 (NSW) (Bill) which targets Australian-based developers that are foreign persons (Foreign Developer). It has received assent but is to commence on a date to be proclaimed. We await the proclamation, which is yet to …
Changes To Fire Safety Requirements In The 2016 National Construction Codes – Could This Affect Your Project?
Posted on 28 August 2017 .
Following the Lacrosse Apartments fire in Melbourne, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) began to develop a comprehensive package of fire safety measures for high rise buildings which was to be incorporated into the next version of the National Construction Code (NCC). However, following the Grenfell Tower fire in London, the Building Ministers’ Forum …
Changes to the Capital Gains Withholding Rules – What They Are and What They Mean To You
Posted on 1 August 2017 .
The Federal Government has reduced the threshold at which a vendor is required to provide a Foreign Resident Capital Gains Clearance Certificate (FRCGCC) to purchasers of real property. The new rules apply to all contracts for sale with a market value over $750,000 (previously $2,000,000) entered into from 1 July 2017. If an Australian resident …
Service by email: Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 NSW (SOP Act)
Posted on 11 July 2017 .
The Electronic Transactions Legislation Amendment (Government Transactions) Act 2017 (Act) passed into law in the last week of June 2017. It amended a number of Acts including the Strata Management Scheme Act 2015 NSW delaying the commencement of the new defects bond scheme until January 2018. Email Allowed Whilst it did not create much fanfare the …
Deferral of Strata Building Bond Regime to 1 January 2018
Posted on 3 July 2017 .
The commencement of the strata building bond regime has been deferred from 1 July 2017 to 1 January 2018. This means that the regime will not apply if the construction contract (to carry out residential building work associated with a new strata scheme) was signed before 1 January 2018. The regime will apply if the …
When It Comes To Delay, Don’t Wait And See – The 2nd Edition Of The SOCL Delay And Disruption Protocol
Posted on 25 June 2017 .
In February of this year, the Society of Construction Law (“SOCL”) published the 2nd Edition of the Delay and Disruption Protocol (“the Protocol”) – the first update to the Protocol since the release of the first edition in 2002. The Protocol is prepared for the UK market, but has found application around the world, …
NSW Government to impose increased stamp duty and land tax surcharges on foreign persons (including foreign owned developers)
Posted on 21 June 2017 .
The NSW Budget Statement (released on 20 June 2017) has provided further details on how the increased stamp duty and land tax surcharges will affect foreign owned developers. To recap, on 1 June 2017, the NSW Government announced its intention to increase the surcharges as such: Summary Foreign owned purchasers of residential property will be …
Proposed cap on foreign ownership in New Dwelling Exemption Certificates aimed at reducing pressure on housing affordability.
Posted on 17 May 2017 .
In the 2017-2018 Federal Budget the Government announced several changes aimed at reducing pressure on housing affordability, some of which affect foreign ownership of Australian residential property. The biggest change is the introduction of a cap on foreign ownership in new developments, through a condition on New Dwelling Exemption Certificates applied for after 7:30PM (AEST) …
Changes to NSW Retail Leasing Legislation to Commence on 1 July 2017
Posted on 5 May 2017 .
On 5 April 2017, the New South Wales Government signed and sealed a Commencement Proclamation which will bring into effect the Retail Leases Amendment (Review) Act 2017 (NSW) (Act) on 1 July 2017 as the day on which that Act commences. Among other things, the Act will introduce tighter obligations on the lessor by way …
Is the Option Fee Treated as Consideration When Calculating GST Under the Margin Scheme?
Posted on 1 May 2017 .
In The Trustee for the Whitby Trust v Commissioner of taxation [2017] AATA 343 (20 March 2017), the AAT has held that an option fee paid by a developer do not form part of the consideration for acquiring the property for the purposes of calculating GST under the margin scheme in accordance with Div …
Building Approval Statistics: what they are and what they mean to you
Posted on 28 April 2017 .
These statistics on Building from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) published in February 2017 show some very interesting trends. The salient figures worth noting is that, at the time of publication, there has been a slightly downwards trend for all building by 0.1% for the last 7 months but the ride down is bumpy …
You, Me and the Garnishee
Posted on 5 April 2017 .
The first question clients ask when obtaining a favourable judgment is “how will we enforce this judgment against the debtor?”. The quickest and most effective way to enforce a judgment debt is to obtain a garnishee order from the Court. This article sets out the key elements of garnishee orders so that you can enforce …
Creditors to be vigilant when using the statutory demand procedure to enforce an Adjudication Certificate
Posted on 13 March 2017 .
Introduction During the process of obtaining payment under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) (SOP Act), a Contractor (or Subcontractor) may, after obtaining an adjudication certificate and filing the certificate in the court of competent jurisdiction, serve a statutory demand on the Principal (or Contractor) demanding payment. In the matter …
Adjudication determinations are not reviewable for non-jurisdictional errors of law
Posted on 6 March 2017 .
In our June 2016 issue of Construction, Property & Projects Insights (Issue 4), we discussed the first instance decision of Probuild Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd v Shade Systems Pty Ltd [2016] NSWSC 770, in which the Supreme Court of NSW held that adjudication determinations were subject to judicial review for non-jurisdictional errors of law on …
Buyer’s Beware: Is the selling agent an agent for all purposes? – Tan v Russell [2016] VSC 93
Posted on 20 February 2017 .
Legal Issue A recent decision in the Victorian Supreme Court examined whether the Plaintiffs, Tan and Lo, validly exercised their cooling off rights to terminate a contract for sale in circumstances where the notice was served on the vendor’s selling agent. Practical Effect of Decision The case illustrates the importance of knowing, prior to entering …
High Court rules that a payment claim is invalid without a valid reference date
Posted on 9 February 2017 .
Introduction In our November 2016 Construction, Property & Projects Insights (Issue 5), we noted that the High Court was soon to release judgment in Southern Han Breakfast Point Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) v Lewence Construction Pty Ltd [2016] HCA 52 (Southern Han Decision), which would be the first time the High Court had given judgment …
Developers to be allowed to resell off-the-plan dwellings after failed sales
Posted on 21 December 2016 .
The Federal Government has announced its intention to pass legislation under the foreign investment framework to allow foreign buyers to purchase an off-the-plan dwelling when another foreign buyer has failed to reach settlement and the contract has been rescinded or terminated. The main legislative issue for developers is what currently constitutes a new dwelling. Under …
Building Energy Efficiency Certificates (BEEC) – changes from 2017
Posted on 14 December 2016 .
The position regarding Building Energy Efficiency Certificates (BEEC) in Australia is in a transition phase as a result of changes to the Commercial Building Disclosure Program (CBDP), which exists under the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010. Currently, lessors are required to provide energy efficient information when they lease or sell commercial office space of …
Construction, Property & Projects Insights Issue 5 – November 2016
Posted on 1 December 2016 .
In this issue, we look at the following key developments in construction, property & projects law: Security of Payments Goes to the High Court Unfair Contract Terms in the Construction Industry – You Need to Take Action New Strata Laws and Building Bond Regime Set to Commence Loose Lips Sink Ships – Representations During Negotiations …
Proposed changes to retail leasing legislation – what you need to know
Posted on 16 November 2016 .
On 8 November 2016, the NSW government introduced the Retail Leases Amendment (Review) Bill 2016 (Bill), which seeks to amend the Retail Leases Act 1994 (Act). The Bill provides further protection to a lessee consistent with the general legal environment of increased ‘consumer’ and small business protection. This article examines some of the key changes …
Vincent Young Annual Luncheon – Est.
Posted on 7 November 2016 .
On Friday 14th October 2016, Vincent Young hosted its Annual Luncheon at Est. Our Annual Luncheon is an opportunity for us to thank our existing clients as well as get to know companies and businesses we admire and would like to work with in the future. The luncheon featured speeches from Carolyn Cummins, the Commercial Property Editor …
New Strata Renewal Process Soon To Take Effect Under Part 10 Strata Schemes Development Act 2015
Part 10 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (Act) prescribes a process for strata renewal. Part 10 commenced on 30 November 2016. The Part 10 process enables the owners in a strata scheme to seek a Court order for one of 2 options: the “collective sale” of all apartments in that strata scheme for …
Loose Lips Sink Ships – Representations During Negotiations
Posted on 27 September 2016 .
Crown Melbourne Ltd v Cosmopolitan Hotel (Vic) Pty Ltd [2016] HCA 26 This Victorian case illustrates the problem with talking loosely during negotiations. The case worked its way from the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), through the Victorian Court of Appeal and finally to the full bench of the High Court. The Facts The …
Unfair Contract Terms in the Construction Industry – You Need to Take Action
Posted on 16 September 2016 .
Unfair Contract Terms in the Construction Industry – You Need to Take Action In November 2016 new legislative changes will see negotiating power swing away from larger businesses towards small businesses. This article looks at: the changes to the Australian Consumer Law which will extend unfair contract protections to small businesses (less than 20 people …
New strata building bond scheme is set to commence 1 July 2017
Posted on 11 July 2016 .
What is the Building Bond Scheme? The building bond scheme is a regime whereby developers of residential strata schemes have to: lodge a bond with the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation (DFSI); and arrange for defects inspections within the strata scheme after completion of the building work. Does the Building Bond Scheme Apply to …
Construction, Property & Projects Insights Issue 4 – June 2016
Posted on 4 July 2016 .
In this issue, we look at the following key developments in construction, property & projects law: Contractual Clauses Limiting the Accrual of Reference Dates or a Right to a Progress Payment | Are Your Clauses Void? Supreme Court Overturns Adjudication Determination for Failure to Apply LDs Case Law Developments | Required Form of a Supporting …
AFR – Property Industry Fights War for Talented Staff to Meet Growing Demands in Boom Time
Posted on 19 March 2015 .
The following article was published in The Australian Financial Review on 12 February 2015 by Michael Bleby. The principal of Vincent Young, Brett Vincent, offered his insight into the trends of the construction and property industry hiring boom. The property industry is going through a hiring boom as demand surges for construction- and property-related services. Jobs …
Commercial Construction and a Duty of Care
Posted on 15 October 2014 .
Brookfield Multiplex Ltd v Owners Corporation Strata Plan 61288 [2014] HCA 36 The High Court of Australia has unanimously held that Brookfield Multiplex Ltd (Brookfield) did not owe a duty of care to prevent economic loss suffered by the Owners Corporation in a strata-titled complex it constructed. Brookfield was in fact not liable to Owners Corporation Strata …
Posted on 17 September 2014 .
If you are in management or control of a workplace, then you must keep an asbestos register – a document that lists all identified or assumed asbestos in a workplace. If asbestos has been identified and you do not have a register, then penalties of up to $18,000 may apply.1 The register should be reviewed at …
Product Safety Recall – Electrical Cable
Please be advised that on 27 August 2014 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a Product Safety Recall of all, INFINITY & OLSENT branded Infinity TPS (flat and flexible) & Orange Round low voltage electrical cables of all sizes, configurations and models that are polymeric insulated and PVC sheathed/insulated The safety recall is …
The PPSA and Equipment on Site
Posted on 10 April 2014 .
The Personal Properties and Securities Act (2009) (Cth) (PPSA) is a law about security-interests which applies to all personal-property Australia wide.[1] The PPSA has created a national register over security interest called the Personal Property and Securities Register (PPSR). The PPSR has replaced over 70 national registers which previously dealt with registered security interests over …
More government control planned for the NSW construction industry
Posted on 19 February 2014 .
On 30 October 2013 the New South Wales Legislative Assembly passed the first of a number of proposed amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) (“Security of Payment Act”) that will change the construction legal landscape in New South Wales for many years to come. All that is required …
Contracting essentials for lawn mower mechanics – Part 1
Posted on 15 January 2014 .
A contract is like a lawn mower. Each has about 50 operable parts, some are dangerous, others fuel the engine and others clean up and catch the grass. Welcome to your first lesson on the contracting essentials for lawn mower mechanics. This first article will focus on the terms that are the dangerous parts. These …
Contracting essentials for lawn mower mechanics – Part 2: Throttle and fuel
Posted on 10 January 2014 .
Welcome to your second lesson on the contracting essentials for lawn mower mechanics. This second article will discuss the ‘throttle and fuel’ of the contract. These clauses keep the machine running. They outline how money is to flow between Principal and Contractor as well as any other requirements which facilitate the operation of the Contract. …
Contracting essentials for lawn mower mechanics – Part 3
Posted on 5 January 2014 .
Welcome to your third lesson on the contracting essentials for lawn mower mechanics. This third article will discuss the ‘cleaning up’ of the contract. These clauses keep the ground tidy and clean up after the operation of a lawn mower. They outline what must be done by both parties prior to the works at the …
Defects liability – How long am I liable?
Posted on 19 December 2013 .
Limitations on claims for breach of Statutory Warranties under the Home Building Act Contractors who undertake residential building work now carry the risk of multiple claims for defects for a period of seven years from completion of the works. Recent amendments to the Home Building Act 1989 NSW (“the HBA”) have changed the law on …