Construction Law Update August 2018

Legislative update

New South Wales

• Bill proposes stricter obligations and penalties for NSW Security of Payment Act  |  Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Bill 2018 (NSW)
• New ban on combustible cladding in NSW  |  Building Products (Safety) Act 2017 (NSW)

In the courts

New South Wales

• Liquidator clawback risk: Head contractor pays creditors of subcontractor under industrial pressure  |  Hosking v Extend N Build Pty Ltd [2018] NSWCA 149
• Adjudication decision withstands irrational and unreasonable appeal   |  Pinnacle Construction Group Pty Ltd v Dimension Joinery & Interiors Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 894
• Consumer protection warranties in the Home Building Act – developers and builders beware  |  The Owners – Strata Plan No 66375 v King [2018] NSWCA 170

Queensland

• Variations to contract, unsatisfactory performance and breach of contract not sufficient to discharge surety upon proper construction of contract and guarantee  |  Mineralogy Pty Ltd v BGP Geoexplorer Pte Ltd [2018] QCA 174
• Unless you hold a licence, don't expect recourse under Queensland's security of payment legislation  |  St Hilliers Property Pty Ltd v Pronto Solar Innovations Pty Ltd [2018] QSC 164
• Nuisance – an illustration of the principles with respect to a statutory body  |  State of Queensland v Baker Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd & Anor; Aurizon Operations Limited v Baker Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd & Anor [2018] QCA 168

Victoria

• Is there a bare reason in there? A cautionary tale  |  Nuance Group v Shape Australia [2018] VSC 362