Construction Law

Construction law is an important field of legal expertise that deals with the intricacies of building and infrastructure projects. This unit offers an introduction to the Australian legal system and an examination of the common law and statutory frameworks that regulate the construction industry. It delves into the liabilities and responsibilities of the principal parties involved in construction contracts, as well as the various methods of project delivery and the strategies for mitigating risks. Additionally, the unit addresses techniques for avoiding, managing, and resolving disputes within the construction sector. Through this comprehensive overview, students will gain a deep understanding of the legal landscape that shapes construction projects in Australia.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Interpret relevant legal information in Australian databases;
2. Apply contract practices, procurement procedures and standard forms of contracts for building and infrastructure projects;
3. Critically analyse the relationships, liabilities and responsibilities of key parties in construction contracts;
4. Assess legal risks related to construction processes and devise associated risk mitigation measures; and
5. Critically evaluate different types of dispute avoidance, as well as management and resolution mechanisms.