Peter
Paradise
Insolvency of Contractors in the Australian Construction Industry – How to Keep Projects Afloat
Insolvency within the construction industry, particularly when it involves construction contractors, can have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved, especially the principal. The complex relationships between principals, contractors, and subcontractors, along with the need for seamless continuity in construction projects, make managing contractor insolvency a particularly challenging task.
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Float in Construction Contracts: Ownership and Implications
In construction contracts, the concept of ‘float’ refers to unallocated time within the project schedule under the contractor's construction program. Often overlooked, float plays a crucial role in managing delays and risks in construction projects.
The Right to Disconnect: A Legal Minefield for Australian Employers
On 26 August 2024, Australia joined the global movement by enacting legislation that formalises the "right to disconnect," granting employees the legal right to disengage from work communications outside their standard working hours.
Why Smaller Legal Firms Are the Future of Law in Australia: A Personal Perspective
In the legal world, bigger isn’t always better. Having spent over a decade at one of the largest law firms in Australia, Herbert Smith Freehills, where I rose to become Head of Projects Asia Pacific, I’ve seen first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of large legal practices.
Why the Big Four Accounting Firms Stumbled in the Legal Arena
The Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—once harboured grand ambitions to conquer the legal world. By the late 1990s, these global giants sought to leverage their vast resources and international reach to dominate the legal services market. However, their bold experiment ultimately fizzled out, leaving traditional law firms largely unscathed.
Understanding the Impact of SOPA on Security Deposits: What Contractors Need to Know
In the dynamic world of construction, navigating payment disputes is just part of the job. For years, the Security of Payment Act has been a crucial tool for contractors in New South Wales (NSW) to ensure they are paid promptly for their work. However, recent developments have broadened the scope of SOPA, particularly concerning security deposits and performance bonds. These changes could significantly affect how contractors handle payment disputes in the future.
The Ethical Quandary of Exotic Sports Betting: Lessons from the A-League Scandal
The recent A-League betting scandal involving Macarthur FC has brought to light critical issues surrounding illegal betting in sports. On 9 December 2023, during a match against Sydney FC, police uncovered an alleged spot-fixing operation orchestrated by players under the influence of a South American crime syndicate. This incident underscores the ethical challenges posed by exotic bets, which focus on specific game events rather than overall outcomes, raising concerns about the integrity of the sport.
Manchester City and the Late Kick-Off Fine: Legal and Financial Implications
Manchester City has been fined £2 million by the English Premier League (EPL) for repeatedly starting matches late. This fine has sparked debate over its fairness and effectiveness, especially given Manchester City's substantial financial resources. The penalty is a small fraction of the club's revenue, raising questions about its ability to serve as a deterrent. The article examines the broader implications for financial regulation in football, the role of the Football Association (FA) in enforcing discipline, and whether more severe penalties, such as relegation, should be considered for repeated infractions. With a Financial Fair Play (FFP) hearing on the horizon, the situation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of football's regulatory framework.
Financial Doping vs. Performance Enhancing Drugs: A Deep Dive into Unfair Advantages in Sports
The integrity of competitive sports is compromised by two major forms of cheating: performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and financial doping. PEDs, as highlighted by the scandals involving athletes like Ben Johnson, Marion Jones, and Lance Armstrong, provide an unfair advantage, damaging the reputation of sports and eroding public trust. Financial doping, seen in clubs like Manchester City and Paris St Germain, involves leveraging disproportionate financial support, often from wealthy owners, to gain an unfair competitive edge, challenging the principles of fair competition and transparency.
