In an increasingly volatile construction market, escalating diesel and input costs are placing significant pressure on project delivery, contract performance and dispute risk. The ability to advise on cost allocation, contract mechanisms and claims strategy has never been more critical. Examine how rising costs are driving variations, delays, disruption and acceleration claims and gain guidance on the key issues, legal risks and strategic implications.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Description
Attend and earn 2 CPD units in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
2.00pm to 3.00pm Escalating Diesel Costs and Contract Variations in Construction Projects
- How rising diesel and input costs are impacting project delivery
- Interpreting cost escalation and variation clauses in standard form contracts
- Drafting and negotiating effective cost escalation mechanisms to minimise disputes
- Common pitfalls and disputes arising from poorly managed cost increases
Presented by Kristen Kipps, Special Counsel, Thomson Geer; Recommended Construction & Infrastructure Litigation Lawyer, Doyle’s Guide 2026
Chair:
Petrina Macpherson, Special Counsel, MinterEllison; Recommended Construction & Infrastructure Litigation Lawyer, Doyle’s Guide 2026
3.00pm to 4.00pm Delays, Disruption and Acceleration Claims: Managing Cost-Driven Pressures
- How cost escalation is contributing to delay and disruption claims in practice
- Key principles for extensions of time, disruption and acceleration claims
- Strategic considerations when pursuing or defending claims
- Practical tips for managing disputes
Presented by Veno Panicker, Partner, Hamilton Locke
Presenters
Petrina Macpherson, Special Counsel, MinterEllison
Petrina Macpherson is a Special Counsel in MinterEllison's Project Infrastructure and Construction team, based in Brisbane. She specialises in dispute resolution in the construction sector. Throughout her career Petrina has been involved in some of the largest Construction Law disputes in Queensland. She has significant experience in security of payment claims. Petrina regularly acts for principals, contractors and major subcontractors. Her experience covers transport infrastructure (in particular tunnels, roads and rail) and resource and mining infrastructure.
Kristen Kipps, Special Counsel, Thomson Geer
Kristen has been recognised in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Construction & Infrastructure Litigation Lawyer (Queensland). 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’s practice centres on technically complex disputes arising from major construction and infrastructure projects, with particular expertise in security of payment regimes, defect litigation and delay and disruption claims.
Veno Panicker, Partner, Hamilton Locke
Veno is an expert in the legal issues facing the construction and infrastructure sectors. Clients benefit from his 20+ years’ experience operating within the construction industry, advising on matters from tenders and contracting through project delivery, claims and completion. He approaches his work with positivity and assertiveness and is driven to achieve the best possible commercial outcomes for his clients. Veno is the lead construction and infrastructure partner and is based in Hamilton Locke’s Sydney office. He specialises in advising on complex transactions, as well as major project dispute resolution, enabling him to provide counsel across the entire project cycle. He advises major contractors, developers and consultants across the project’s spectrum – from real estate, new energy and civil projects. Prior to joining Hamilton Locke, Veno led the Construction and Infrastructure team at Blackstone Waterhouse, as well as working at Minter Ellison, Maddocks and DibbsBarker.
