Real Estate Law and Construction Law

From 15 April 2026, far-reaching changes to construction contracts and payment claim processes in the Victorian building and construction industry will take effect. These will have a significant, immediate and retroactive impact on the rights and obligations of parties to construction contracts in Victoria.

Contested claims are determined by an adjudicator within that period, with power to determine the value of the claim on an interim basis. There is very little scope for appeal and an underlying philosophy of ‘pay now, argue later’, with the solvency risk sitting up the chain.

The Amendment Act expressly seeks to decriminalise and rationalise offences under the Principal Act and promote trust-based governance to improve ease of living and ease of doing business.