The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) case of Mikhali v Soliman (Building and Property) [2024] VCAT 616 focuses on the entitlements of parties following the termination of a domestic building contract under section 41 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic) (‘the Act’). This case determines what is owed and to whom under […]
Case Study: Termination of a Domestic Building Contract Read More »
In a recent case at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), Barbican Construction Group Pty Ltd (Barbican), a respected construction firm in Victoria, faced a significant dispute with homeowners Ian McColl and Xun (Monica) Qing over a residential extension project. Here’s a breakdown of the case and key takeaways for builders. Background and Contractual
Contractual Disputes: Lessons for Builders Read More »
The case of Hunters Green Retirement Living Pty Ltd (‘the developer’) v. J.G. King Project Management Pty Ltd (‘the contractor’) [2023] VSC 536, brought to the Supreme Court of Victoria, centres on a significant issue under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (‘the Act’). The primary question was whether retention
Next to your family home, superannuation is often one of the largest assets you might own at the time of your passing. It is crucial to understand and consider how superannuation should be addressed as part of your estate planning. Despite superannuation being a substantial asset, it is not strictly an asset of the estate
Superannuation and Your Will: What You Need to Know Read More »
As many of you know, I proudly serve as a board member of KultureCity Australia, and I’m thrilled to share that Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants is the first law firm in Australia to achieve Sensory Inclusive Certification. Recently, our team at KultureCity completed our annual training, ensuring our certification remains valid and equipping our staff,
Expanding Access and Inclusion: KultureCity’s Impact Read More »
The recent VCAT decision in AMO Rifat Holdings Pty Ltd v Dib sheds light on key aspects of domestic building work, offering crucial insights for builders on stage completion, defect rectification, progress payments, and contractual disputes. In this case, the builder and owners entered into a contract for constructing a three-storey house with a contract
Builder insights: AMO Rifat Holdings Pty Ltd v Dib case Read More »
When you find yourself involved in a VCAT dispute concerning home construction, whether you’re the builder or the homeowner, the role of expert evidence cannot be underestimated. Despite parties believing they have ample “evidence” through emails, conversations, and their own interpretations of documents and works, it’s challenging, if not impossible, for the Tribunal to make
The Importance of Experts in Construction Disputes Read More »
Spectrum Lawyers and Spectrum Coach have joined forces offering builders and contractors the unique opportunity to receive a full spectrum of services from sales & marketing; home designs; business coaching; operations, and legal advice all in one. To keep you up to date on everything happening in the industry, they have developed Spectrum Speaks. This
Spectrum Speaks – Volume 11 Read More »
The start of the year is always a busy time for families, particularly those with school-aged children. As we begin another school year, Spectrum Group’s Directors take a moment to reflect, realising that this will be the final year all three of their children will be in school – one in Year 12, one in
The return to school: Supporting students with invisible disabilities Read More »
I recently had the privilege of being invited by Friend In Me to co-host their third Nurture and Connect Retreat alongside fellow board member, Nicole. Together, Nicole and I had the honour of welcoming five incredibly deserving mothers on a three-day, fully funded retreat. These women, selected for their remarkable resilience in navigating the challenges
Friend In Me – Nurture and Connect Retreat Read More »