The Hidden Promises in Your Building Contract
When you sign a domestic building contract, you might assume that everything you’re agreeing to is written on the page. But what if we told you that, under Victorian law, you’re also agreeing to a series of promises outlined in legislation? These promises are known as implied warranties – non-negotiable obligations that apply by law […]
What’s in Your Building Contract?
Building or renovating your home can be one of the most exciting times in your life – but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between the plans, the costs, and the endless decisions, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important parts of the process: the building contract. If you’re planning […]
Can a Director Be Personally Liable for a Company’s Debts?
This is a common concern for small business owners and directors. The short answer is: usually no – but in some situations, yes. We will provide a short overview of this area of law. The General Rule: No Personal Liability Under Australian law, a company is treated as a separate legal entity; i.e., its own […]
Murray Review and Recent Government Response
In the world of construction, getting paid on time isn’t always a given, especially for subcontractors. Small businesses often find themselves chasing payments or bearing the financial fallout from delays further up the contracting chain. It’s a long-standing problem, and in 2016, the Australian Government decided it was time to step in and seek a […]
Victoria Strengthens Insurance Rights for High-Rise Apartment Owners
Are you a new homeowner in a residential complex over three storeys high? Do you worry that your builder may have cut corners – leaving you with defects, stress, and little recourse to make things right? This time, the government has your back. With new legislation, you’re no longer left powerless. No longer will you […]
Finally, Real Protection for Homeowners in Low-Rise Buildings
You’ve just moved into your dream home – a place you saved for, hoped for, and imagined for years. But within months, the dream begins to crack – literally. A leaky roof. Warped floorboards. A builder who won’t return your calls. And a system that tells you there’s little it can do unless your builder […]
The Signature That Changed Everything: Lessons from a $2M Building Dispute
Case Summary: Imerva Corp Pty Ltd v Kuna [2017] VSCA 168 (Imerva) In building contracts, every signature matters – literally. In Imerva, a couple’s decision to initial rather than formally sign a crucial document clause unraveled a $2 million construction deal. The case is a sharp warning to builders and homeowners alike: skip a legal […]
Martinus Rail v Qube: Right to a Fair Hearing
In this analysis, we will take a closer look at Martinus Rail Pty Ltd v Qube RE Services (No 2) Pty Ltd (No 2) [2024] NSWSC 1223, a significant development to the Security of Payments regime. When a builder or contractor turns to adjudication to resolve a payment dispute, they expect a fair hearing and […]
U.S. Court Rules in Favor of AFBRI in Dispute with Israeli Academy Over Donations
April 2025 – A U.S. appeals court has sided with the American Foundation for Basic Research in Israel, Inc. (AFBRI) in a legal fight with the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, deciding that the Academy has no right to claim control over AFBRI’s donations. The Israel Academy, a top research institution established by the […]
Commonwealth v Yunupingu – Landmark Native Title Case
The High Court of Australia’s recent ruling in Commonwealth of Australia v Yunupingu [2025] HCA 6 (Commonwealth v Yunupingu) marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of native title law. To fully grasp the significance of this decision, it’s essential to understand what native title is and trace its development since the landmark Mabo case. What […]