Merlo Law

12/05/2026

Shocking tradie brawl on a Sydney construction site exposes serious safety and duty of care failures. Merlo Law’s John Merlo breaks down the key liability triggers under QLD’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and BIFA.

Every builder and PCBU needs to see this.

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30/04/2026

🚨 Are these the WORST construction fails in Queensland? 🚨

We see a lot of defective work here at Merlo Law, but if these clips represent a finished handover, it is a massive legal liability.

In our latest breakdown, we look at some shocking site footage and explains exactly where the builder went wrong under QLD Law:

❌ Render over rubbish & exposed slabs – A clear breach of the QBCC Act and prime grounds for a defective work claim.
❌ Plywood instead of doors – Major weatherproofing violations under the National Construction Code.
❌ Suspected Asbestos left on the ground – A severe violation of Workplace Health and Safety QLD regulations.
❌ Unsecured & leaking roofs – Failing structural tie-down codes and Australian Standards.

Building or renovating a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. You shouldn't have to accept a handover that is unsafe, non-compliant, or structurally defective.

If your build is looking like this, don't wait for the damage to get worse. Reach out to the team at Merlo Law and let’s protect your rights. 🏗️⚖️

👉 Get expert legal advice today: https://www.merlolaw.com.au/contact-us
📞 Call us: 1300110253

Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Scenarios are treated as hypotheticals.

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09/03/2026

Can you legally rip up a driveway if the homeowner refuses to pay?

You’ve likely seen the viral footage of tradies taking sledgehammers to a freshly poured slab in Logan, Queensland. But does “no pay” justify the destruction of property?

I’m John Merlo from Merlo Law, and in today’s video, I break down exactly why this “vigilante justice” isn’t just a bad business move - it’s actually a criminal offence under Queensland law. We look at the crucial difference between chattels and fixtures, and what rights you actually lose the moment that concrete hits the ground.

In this video, we cover:

⚖️ Section 469 of the Criminal Code: Why destroying your own work is considered Wilful Damage.
🏠 The Law of Fixtures: Why poured concrete legally belongs to the land owner (even if they haven't paid).
✅ The Right Way to Get Paid: How to use the BIF Act, QCAT, and the QBCC to recover debts lawfully.
📝 Contract Essentials: Why written contracts and progress payments are your best defence against non-payment.

Don't let emotions turn a bad debt into a criminal record. Understand your rights and get paid the lawful way.

Need legal advice for your construction business?

If you are dealing with payment disputes or need solid contracts to protect your work, Merlo Law is here to help. We specialise in construction law for contractors, builders, developers and homeowners across Queensland and NSW.

20/02/2026

⚠️ In QLD construction, a single day's delay in paperwork can instantly result in default financial liabilities.

Queensland’s Security of Payment laws move fast. From a strict 15-business-day deadline to issue a payment schedule, to just 2 days' notice before work can lawfully be suspended—the BIF Act is an unforgiving system designed to force prompt payment.

Are your admin processes fast enough to keep up? Check out our dispute timeline graphic below to see the critical numbers you need to know to protect your cash flow (and your QBCC licence). 👇

📌 Hit "Save" on this post to keep these timelines handy!

19/02/2026

You open your emails and see it: “QBCC Direction to Rectify.” Now the clock is ticking.

Read the guide here: https://www.merlolaw.com.au/post/the-qbcc-direction-to-rectify-a-builder-s-complete-2026-guide

This article is for Queensland builders and contractors who need a clear, practical overview of what a DTR is, the 35-day rectification period, the consequences of non-compliance, and the options to seek an internal review and (if needed) appeal to QCAT.

A comprehensive guide for Queensland builders on how to handle a QBCC Direction to Rectify. Learn about the process, your legal options for compliance or appeal, and the severe penalties for non-compliance.

17/02/2026

If you’re a director (or senior decision-maker) in a Queensland construction business, a company collapse can turn into a personal ban — fast.

Read the guide here: https://www.merlolaw.com.au/post/qbcc-excluded-individuals-the-2026-guide-to-director-bans-after-a-company-collapse

This article explains the QBCC “Excluded Individual” rules: who the QBCC can target (including influential persons), the 2-year look-back period, what counts as an insolvency event, the difference between a 3-year exclusion and a lifetime ban, and the main steps to challenge a decision (including internal review and QCAT).

A comprehensive guide to the QBCC's Excluded Individual policy for 2026. Learn what triggers a three-year or lifetime ban for directors after a company collapse, how to challenge a notice, and the steps to mitigate your risk.

17/02/2026

If you’re lodging a QBCC licence application (or renewing one) and you’re unsure what to disclose — that uncertainty can become an expensive problem.

Read the guide here: https://www.merlolaw.com.au/post/the-qbcc-fit-and-proper-person-test-your-complete-2026-guide

This article is for Queensland contractors and construction businesses who need to understand the QBCC “fit and proper person” test, including the duty to disclose relevant events (especially financial events), how financial viability is assessed, and what options you have if the QBCC makes a negative decision (internal review and QCAT).

A comprehensive guide to understanding and passing the QBCC's 'fit and proper person' test in 2026. Learn about the core assessment criteria, your absolute duty of disclosure, and your legal options for challenging a negative decision from the QBCC.

15/02/2026

⚠️ URGENT ALERT for Queensland Construction: The ripple effects of the Victorian CFMEU scandal are hitting home.

A new report alleges "systematic corruption" and "crime syndicate" operations within the industry. But what does this mean for YOUR business in Queensland?

From July 1, 2026, new "Tranche 2" AML laws will change everything.

🚧 Lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents will face strict reporting rules.
🚧 Cash payments over $10k? Huge red flag.
🚧 "Ghost workers" and vague invoices are under the microscope.

Even if you aren't in Victoria, the scrutiny is coming to QLD projects like Cross River Rail and the 2032 Olympics.

John Merlo breaks down the Geoffrey Watson SC report and gives you a 90-Day Action Plan to protect your business. Don't wait until the auditors knock.

📺 Watch the full breakdown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmJCydBpIUE

🚨 THE CFMEU SCANDAL & WHAT IT MEANS FOR QUEENSLAND CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSESA major report released in February 2026 alleged systematic corruption within a st...

15/02/2026

You’re midway through a major job—then a “must-use” subcontractor is pushed on you, invoices start getting vague, and someone hints the site will stay “problem-free” if you play along.

Read the guide: https://www.merlolaw.com.au/post/how-qld-construction-can-navigate-the-legal-fallout-from-the-cfmeu-corruption-crisis

This article is for Queensland builders, principals and contractors who need a practical plan after the Watson Report: the key corruption/AML red flags, who to report to (and when), how to preserve evidence properly, and the contract clauses that can protect your project and licence.

The Watson Report's findings on CFMEU corruption have created a perilous new legal landscape for QLD builders. This guide breaks down the threats from new AML laws, anti-corruption crackdowns, and mandatory reporting, providing a clear action plan for survival.

12/02/2026

You do the extra work, absorb the delay, keep the job moving — then the claim gets knocked back because a notice went in late.

Read the full guide here: https://www.merlolaw.com.au/post/the-contractor-s-guide-to-time-bar-clauses-in-queensland

This article is for Queensland contractors and subcontractors who want a clear, practical explanation of time bar clauses (conditions precedent), why they’re enforced, how they interact with the BIF Act, and the contract administration habits that help protect your entitlements.

A comprehensive guide for Queensland contractors on understanding and managing time bar clauses (conditions precedent) in construction contracts. Learn about the risks of claim extinguishment, the interaction with the BIF Act, and proactive strategies to protect your payments and avoid disputes.