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As a subcontractor, you’re often first on-site and last in line for payment. Whether you’re quoting on a new job, stuck in a paperwork nightmare, or chasing unpaid invoices, the risk is real; and it’s often shifted squarely onto you.
At Enterprise Legal, we help Queensland subcontractors get clarity on their legal obligations, protect their interests before the contract is signed, and take fast action when things go wrong. We’re experienced in reviewing and negotiating subcontractor agreements, enforcing payment rights under Security of Payment laws, and resolving disputes quickly so you can stay focused on the job at hand.
We offer fixed or capped fees wherever possible, and we understand the realities of working in high-pressure, high-risk environments where cashflow matters most.
Before You Sign the Contract
Subcontractor agreements are often issued on a “take it or leave it” basis, but that doesn’t mean you should sign without advice. We assist subcontractors by:
- Reviewing and negotiating subcontractor agreements, including AS 4906 and other standard form or custom templates
- Identifying unfair terms relating to variations, retention, liquidated damages and termination
- Advising on scopes of work, dependencies, milestones and payment conditions
- Ensuring licensing, insurance and compliance obligations are understood
- Structuring subcontractor businesses for risk protection and tax efficiency, see our Structuring & Entity Advice page
We can also draft plain-English subcontractor agreements for use in your own operations. See Business Documents for more.
While the Job is Underway
Even with a signed contract, the real issues often begin once work starts. We help subcontractors manage issues on live projects, including:
- Advising on variation claims, extension of time (EOT) requests and contract notices
- Managing disputes over scope creep, poor coordination, or delay penalties
- Drafting and responding to payment schedules and progress claims
- Navigating performance security and retention issues
- Ensuring you meet administrative deadlines that protect your legal rights
- Handling subcontractor employee or labour hire matters, see Employment Documentation
We provide advice that’s fast, clear and geared toward preserving your rights, especially when dealing with larger contractors who may be trying to shift risk downstream.
When a Dispute Arises
Subcontractors are often the ones left out-of-pocket when a project turns sour. When payment is withheld or disputes arise, we act quickly and strategically to protect your position. Our team assists with:
- Enforcing your right to payment under Security of Payment legislation
- Preparing adjudication applications or responses
- Responding to wrongful termination or breach notices
- Pursuing debt recovery for unpaid work
- Negotiating resolution of delay or defect disputes
- Defending backcharges or unjust claims for rectification costs
For serious disputes, see our Building & Construction Disputes and Debt Recovery pages for more detail on how we handle escalated matters.
Speak With Our Construction Team
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Need help with a subcontract, progress claim or project dispute?
Book a consultation with our construction lawyers today and get practical, contractor-savvy advice that protects your business and gets you paid.
