Construction Law: Contracts, Disputes, and Regulations in Australia

Construction Law

Executive summary
The report is focused on the law related to construction contracts in Australia with regard to
various features pertaining to construction projects as far as the law of contract is concerned.
Various aspects of construction contracts have been examined and highlighted in the report
and explained accordingly. The procedures pertaining to the resolution of disputes have also
been taken into account with regard to the providing of a comprehensive solution
accordingly. The functions of Victoria Central Administrative Tribunal have also been taken
into consideration. The aspects related to standard and non-standard forms of contract are
also discussed and demonstrated.

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................5
Scope of work............................................................................................................................5
Variation.....................................................................................................................................5
Extension of contract..................................................................................................................6
Duties of parties to contract.......................................................................................................6
Security of payment...................................................................................................................6
Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal...............................................................................7
Breaches.....................................................................................................................................7
Liquidated damages...................................................................................................................7
Contingencies.............................................................................................................................7
Stakeholders...............................................................................................................................8
Latent conditions........................................................................................................................8
Regulations.................................................................................................................................8
National Construction Code.......................................................................................................9
Australian Standard....................................................................................................................9
Kinds of Contract.......................................................................................................................9
Public Liability Insurance........................................................................................................10
Public Liability Cover..............................................................................................................10
Arbitration................................................................................................................................10
Domestic Building Contract Act..............................................................................................10
Formation of contract...............................................................................................................11
Expressed Terms......................................................................................................................11
Implied terms...........................................................................................................................11
Giving warranty.......................................................................................................................11
Standard and non-standard methods of delivery......................................................................12
Insurance..................................................................................................................................12
Proportionate liability...............................................................................................................12
Misleading and deceptive conducts.........................................................................................13
Unfair terms and undue influence............................................................................................13
Defective works.......................................................................................................................13

Frustration................................................................................................................................13
Remedies..................................................................................................................................13
Dispute resolution/Performance and termination.....................................................................14
Progress fee, Refund and Non Recoverable Payment..............................................................14
Amendments............................................................................................................................15
Governing Law.........................................................................................................................15
Non-assignability of contract...................................................................................................15
Notice.......................................................................................................................................15
Delays in execution..................................................................................................................15
Written Contract and Verbal Contract.....................................................................................15
Partly written and verbal contract............................................................................................15
Time/Inclement weather/ Delay in progress payment.............................................................15
Penalty Doctrine.......................................................................................................................16
Recommendation......................................................................................................................16
Conclusion................................................................................................................................16
Reference List..........................................................................................................................17