SCL Australia Podcast

The Stynes Address is the Society of Construction Law Australia’s annual high-profile lecture related to the practice of law and the construction industry. In 2024 the Stynes Address was given by Gabrielle Trainor AO. Gabrielle Trainor has had a diverse career across the construction industry, but one of her most important roles has been as chair of the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce.  This taskforce is a collaboration between the Australian Constructors Association and government agencies with the aim of making a step change in the culture of the industry through the government procurement process. In her Stynes Address Gabrielle Trainor AO provided insight into the key issues facing the construction industry and practical insight into how those issues are being addressed by the Taskforce through the development of a Culture Standard.

The Stynes Address is the Society of Construction Law Australia’s annual high-profile lecture related to the practice of law and the construction industry. This is the inaugural address given in 2023 by SoCLA’s patron, Justice Katie Stynes, after whom the address has been named. In 2023 Justice Stynes talked to us about the procedural reforms she is leading from her role as judge in charge of the Technology, Engineering and Construction List of the Victorian Supreme Court.

Based on the V601 v Probuild case decided in the Victorian Supreme Court in December 2021, Ben McLeod presented this talk in Melbourne in February 2023. Ben was part of the team who acted successfully for Probuild in this matter and outlines a range of complex issues, including how Principals and Superintendents should ensure that a contractor’s claims are assessed fairly; the consequences that can flow from the Superintendent's independence having been compromised; and the Court’s approach to ‘constructive acceleration’ claims.   Ben McLeod Partner at Piper Alderman, Melbourne. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mcleod-99a0b951/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mcleod-99a0b951/] Ben is a strategic advisor across all stages of the project lifecycle, from procurement and contract administration through to dispute resolution and avoidance. He has particular expertise in the strategic management and resolution of complex disputes, having acted for principals, contractors and consultants on major infrastructure projects in Australia and internationally. He has assisted clients across a range of industries, including transport, utilities, property development and power (renewable and non-renewable). In 2022, Ben was listed by Doyle’s Guide as a recommended ‘back end’ Construction and Infrastructure lawyer in Victoria. He was also named as a ‘Rising Star’ by Doyle’s Guide in 2021.   This podcast is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should always obtain legal advice about your specific circumstances. The views expressed in these podcasts are the speakers' own. They should not be taken as recommendations of the Society of Construction Law Australia.

Stepping back from a process to see the complex interactions happening between all of the parties can lead to insights that could prevent potentially catastrophic consequences. The failure of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University led to 6 fatalities. In this talk, Sean explore the failures in the design, peer review and construction phases of the project, and the need for investigations to look into organisational causes of failure as well as the technical causes.   Sean Brady, Managing Director, Brady Heywood Pty Ltd https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-brady-11a95427/ If you’d like to learn more about complexity then be sure and check out Sean’s Simplifying Complexity Podcast at: Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/simplifying-complexity/id1651582236 [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/simplifying-complexity/id1651582236] Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3SfqApqNW3wNXcg2E7etij   This podcast is for reference purposes only.  It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.  You should always obtain legal advice about your specific circumstances.  The views expressed in these podcasts are the speakers' own.  They should not be taken as recommendations of the Society of Construction Law Australia.

Is the Australian industry’s Standard Form broken? If so, why and can it be fixed? The training and learning involved to build confidence in a new industry contract should be considered when making changes. Scott Alden presents his talk “When opportunity knocks: Is NEC4 the Answer to Australia’s Broken Standard form ?” This talk was voted by attendees as one of the Top 3 highlights of our national conference “Getting Risk Right”, held in Hobart, Tasmania in May 2022. Scott Alden, Partner - Construction Team (Sydney), HWL Ebsworth Lawyers https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-alden-5884432b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-alden-5884432b] HWL Edsworth Lawyers https://hwlebsworth.com.au/ [https://hwlebsworth.com.au/] The Australian independent commercial law firm of choice for market leading expertise and exceptional value. This podcast is for reference purposes only.  It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.  You should always obtain legal advice about your specific circumstances.  The views expressed in these podcasts are the speakers' own.  They should not be taken as recommendations of the Society of Construction Law Australia.