Build a strong foundation in Queensland construction law with this practical fundamentals session. Unpacking the fundamentals, walk away with a practical understanding of the frameworks governing construction projects and the implications of the main issues and concerns in running matters, from Security of Payment to contract structures and defect claims. You will gain the essential insights into how construction contracts operate in practice, how risks are allocated and how to navigate common issues such as variations, extensions of time and payment mechanisms under AS4902.

Presenters

Emily Ng, Special Counsel, Holding Redlich
Emily has acted for major contractors, engineering firms and project owners (including government) on a number of high profile projects across the public infrastructure, renewable energy and commercial construction sectors. She has extensive experience acting in court proceedings and other forms of dispute resolution, including mediations, expert determinations and security of payment adjudications, as well as in drafting and negotiating contracts for major infrastructure projects, renewables projects and commercial developments. She works with clients at all stages of the project lifecycle to identify and manage risk, implement effective contract administration and dispute avoidance strategies, and resolve claims and disputes. Emily has been named as One to Watch in the 2023 to 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the categories of Construction & Infrastructure Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She has also been recognised as a Construction Law Rising Star for 2025 in Doyle’s Guide.

Lachlan Tassell, Barrister, George Street Chambers
Lachlan has a broad commercial practice with a focus on construction and infrastructure, energy and resources, contract, corporations and professional negligence. Prior to coming to the Bar, Lachlan worked in the construction and arbitration teams at Corrs Chambers Westgarth (senior associate from 2020). Lachlan graduated with a Bachler of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Finance) in 2013 and was admitted as a lawyer in 2014. He is currently completing his Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne.

Charles Matthews, Barrister, Alfred Lutwyche Chambers
Prior to his call to the Bar in 2016, Charles was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland practicing in commercial, construction, wills and estates and insurance law matters. Charles’ practice has expanded since his call to the Bar and now includes commercial, building and construction, wills & estates, competition and consumer litigation, insurance, property and negligence disputes. Charles is regularly recognised in Doyles Guide as Recommended Construction & Infrastructure Junior Council in Queensland. Charles regularly appears in Queensland & NSW courts and tribunals, in arbitration and expert determination (in both interlocutory and final hearings) and has been appointed as mediator in commercial and construction disputes.

James Green, Barrister, Level Twenty Seven Chambers
James undertakes a variety of complex corporate and commercial work in the State and Federal Courts of Australia. He acts for a broad range of domestic and international clients, including ASX200 companies, high net-worth individuals, directors, shareholders, company liquidators, banks and government entities. James has particular experience in commercial litigation, class actions, competition and consumer law, insolvency, trusts, construction litigation, arbitration and administrative law. James has recently been involved in defending a large Commonwealth entity from a significant claim relating to PFAS contamination arising from aviation rescue and firefighting services, as well as several class actions involving shareholder actions for misleading and deceptive conduct, pure economic loss arising from large-scale infrastructure projects, and the application of competition law to state-owned electricity generators. James is listed in Best Lawyers® Australia and Doyles Guide and is an associate member of CIArb.

BJ Doyle, Barrister, Alfred Lutwyche Chambers
BJ was called to the bar in 2025 and has a broad practice in commercial litigation and insolvency, focussing on construction disputes. Prior to his call to the bar, BJ practiced as a solicitor on the Gold Coast since 2020, working predominantly in construction and general commercial litigation across Queensland and New South Wales. As a solicitor he regularly acted for subcontractors, head contractors and principals in preparing payment claims, payment schedules, adjudication applications, and adjudication responses, and he continues to regularly assist with those matters as counsel now. BJ has also been involved as both a solicitor and barrister in various proceedings in the Supreme and District Court. He has also regularly advised on the lodgement, enforcement and operation of subcontractors’ charges, and their interrelation with other proceedings and claims.