QBM Lawyers

06/02/2026

QLD Council Sues Commonwealth for Environmental Contamination

A recent Queensland Supreme Court decision has allowed Toowoomba Regional Council’s claim against the Commonwealth to continue, focusing on Defence’s historic use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam and its alleged impact on human health and the environment.

A recent decision of the Queensland Supreme Court was interesting in the context of discussing the authorised use of substances which are later found to

08/01/2026

New Queensland Lease Rules You Should Know

Queensland’s Property Law Act 2023 introduced standard implied terms into leases. Some may surprise you. Make sure you understand your rights and obligations.

Under Queensland’s relatively new Property Law Act 2023, a lease of land is deemed to include the standard terms set out in Schedule 1 to the Act, subject to any provision in the agreement to the contrary or to any other act.  The standard terms are essentially a condensed and abbreviated version...

27/09/2025

Consumer Law - Remedy Against Manufacturer

When is a product “not of acceptable quality”? A recent QCAT decision against Samsung shows how battery performance can trigger consumer rights. Importantly, the case highlights the difference between claims made against a manufacturer versus a retailer – and how the remedies can differ.

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/consumer-law-remedy-against-manufacturer/

19/09/2025

Challenging a Determination by an Adjudicator – What You Need to Know

Adjudication decisions under the Act are not always final. In Queensland, a contractor or subcontractor may apply to the Supreme Court to have a determination set aside, but only on limited grounds such as jurisdictional error. Learn what this means, see a recent example, and understand the potential time and cost involved.

A contractor or subcontractor liable to pay an adjudication amount pursuant to a determination by an adjudicator under the Act can apply to have the determination set aside. An application to challenge a determination by an adjudicator under the Act must be made to the Supreme Court of Queensland. ...

19/09/2025

Making a Will & Jointly Owned Property – What You Need to Know

Many couples assume that jointly owned assets will automatically pass to the surviving partner. That’s not always the case. Whether property is held as joint tenants or tenants in common can make a big difference when one partner passes away. Learn how the law applies in Queensland and why a will is still essential.

Read the full article here: https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/making-a-will-jointly-owned-property/

31/08/2025

Understanding the Adjudication Process

Not paid for your building work? The adjudication process offers a fast-track way for contractors and subcontractors to recover money owed under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act. Our article explains how the process works, why timing and compliance are critical, and how an adjudicator’s decision can be enforced—even with a charge over property in some cases.

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The adjudication process starts by the claimant (the contractor owed money) filing an Adjudication Application in the QBCC, together with its supporting material.  This is done online. Once it is filed, then the application and supporting material has to be served on the respondent (the person who ...

26/08/2025

Starting an Adjudication

When you’re owed money under a payment claim and aren’t paid—or the payment schedule falls short—adjudication can be your fast-track solution. This article walks you through how to correctly initiate an adjudication under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act, why timing and accuracy matter, and why professional guidance can protect your rights.

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/starting-an-adjudication/

26/08/2025

Responding to Payment Claims

Received a payment claim but aren’t convinced it’s owed—or you have your own counterclaim? This article breaks down how to protect your rights under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act by serving a valid Payment Schedule within the right timeframe and format. Don’t miss the steps—your ability to defend your position may depend on it.

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/responding-to-payment-claims/

26/08/2025

Queensland’s Security of Payment Legislation Explained

Contractors and subcontractors deserve fair and timely payment for their work. Our article breaks down the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017, explaining how payment claims and adjudication help protect your rights in the building and construction industry.

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/queenslands-security-for-payment-legislation-the-building-industry-fairness-security-of-payment-act-2017/

13/08/2025

Basic Estate Planning Essentials – What You Need to Know

Planning for the future isn’t just for the wealthy. If you don’t have complex assets in companies or trusts, your estate planning might be as simple as having a valid Will, Binding Death Nomination, Enduring Power of Lawyers, and an Advance Health Directive.

This post breaks down what each document does, when it applies, and how to get started.

Read the full article here:

Where clients do not have assets in companies or held in trusts, in many cases their estate planning intentions can be dealt with by a binding death nomination (if they have a superannuation interest) and a will, with other useful documents being an enduring power of attorney and an advance health d...

07/08/2025

Telemarketer Agreements & Door-to-Door Sales – A Hidden Trap

Did you know that simply agreeing to a follow-up call or visit from a telemarketer or salesperson could waive your rights under consumer law?

Our latest article explains how this common tactic can strip you of your cooling-off period protections — and what you can do to avoid it.

👉 Read more: https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/telemarketer-agreements-and-door-to-door-sales-the-trap-of-arranging-a-later-meeting/

06/08/2025

New Legal Requirements for Property Sellers in QLD (From 1 August 2025)
Selling property in Queensland? New laws now require sellers to provide a formal disclosure before signing a contract. Non-compliance could risk termination of the sale.

QBM Lawyers can help you prepare the required disclosure correctly and efficiently.

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/property-lawyers-gold-coast/sellers-disclosure-preparation