Ensure you’re fully prepared for the evolving construction law landscape with expert insights designed for the busy legal practitioner. Unpack 2025’s significant Security of Payments decisions across, clarifying judicial interpretation of payment claims, timeframes and enforcement. Develop a deeper understanding of amending AS4902-2000 design and construct contracts to safeguard client interests, anticipate disputes and navigate legislative changes and key case law. Plus, strengthen your professional skills with practical strategies for applying the facilitative model in procurement, negotiation and dispute resolution.
Thursday, 12 March 2026
Early Bird Discount ends 19 Dec 2025
10.30am to 11.30am Crucial Amendments to Construction Contracts in 2026 to Deal with Legislative Changes and Current Case Law
- What amendments should be made to an unamended AS4902-2000 design and construct contract to best protect your clients' interests
- What disputes should you anticipate when drafting and negotiating construction contracts in 2026
- What key court decisions do you need to be aware of when drafting and negotiating construction contracts in 2026
- What are the key changes (or anticipated changes) to legislation governing security for payment and liability for defects to be aware of in 2026
Presented by Kristen Kipps, Principal, CDI Lawyers
9.30am to 10.30am Significant Security of Payments 2025 Decisions
- 2025 saw several court decisions that clarified Security of Payment (SOP) laws across Australian states
- These cases reinforce the “pay now, argue later” principle and provide current insight into judicial interpretation of payment claim service, timeframes, and enforcement under the various legislative regimes
- Explore key cases (from NSW, Victoria, and Queensland) and their implications for contractors and principals
Presented by Sarah Ferrett, Special Counsel, MinterEllison
11.30am to 11.45am Morning Break
Chair:
Robert Holt KC, Alfred Lutwyche Chambers
Description
Attend and earn 3 CPD units including:
2 units in Substantive Law
1 unit in Professional Skills
This program is based on QLD legislation
Professional Skills
11.45am to 12.45pm Use of the Facilitative Model in Contract Procurement, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- The facilitative model, its features and process
- Incorporating the model in every stage of project delivery
- Implementation of the model in practice – how and when to use it
Presented by Sally Armitage, Barrister, Cedric Hampson Chambers
Presenters
Robert Holt KC, Alfred Lutwyche ChambersRobert has specialised in major construction litigation since 1985. He took Silk in 1995 and has been listed in Best Lawyers Australia from 2009 to the present. He has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide as one of Australia’s leading arbitration barristers and as pre-eminent in construction litigation. He is a Chartered Arbitrator and a Grade One arbitrator with the Resolution Institute. In the last few years Robert has concentrated on ADR and has acted as an arbitrator, expert determiner and mediator in many large disputes.
Sarah Ferrett, Special Counsel, MinterEllison
Sarah Ferrett is a Queensland solicitor with 20 years' experience specialising in construction and infrastructure disputes. Sarah has significant expertise in managing complex legal challenges and large scale disputes in the realm of major projects and renewable energy disputes. Sarah's experience both in house and in private practice encompasses a broad spectrum of dispute resolution mechanisms. From statutory claims and expert determinations to overseeing large-scale formal litigation, Sarah assists her clients to navigate complex legal and commercial decisions with a strategic, results-driven mindset. Sarah was most recently recognised by Doyle's Guide 2024 as a Recommended Construction and Infrastructure lawyer.
Kristen Kipps, Principal, CDI Lawyers
Kristen is a Principal in our Dispute and Resolution team. Kristen has practiced in dispute litigation since 2010 with a particular focus on Building and Construction. Kristen has also worked in-house at a large energy company where she was involved in disputes relating to energy projects around Queensland. Kristen has particular expertise in: Complex court disputes with electronic protocols; Delay claims, especially ownership of the float; and Programming and quantum disputes.
Sally Armitage, Barrister, Cedric Hampson Chambers
Sally’s career at the private bar has spanned various diverse practice areas with a focus on construction, mining and infrastructure matters. She has appeared in a variety of jurisdictions and dispute resolution processes including courts, tribunals, arbitrations, expert determination and mediation. Since 2012, Sally has regularly been named in junior counsel category of the Doyle’s Construction & Infrastructure Queensland Barristers List. She is an accredited AMDRAS Mediator.
