International Construction Law Review
SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT—A SURVEY OF PRESSURE POINTS IN AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
BILL SMITH1
Partner, Blake Dawson Waldron, Sydney
I. SYNOPSIS
This paper is extracted from a survey-based study on Australian construction and infrastructure projects undertaken by the law firm Blake Dawson Waldron in conjunction with the Australian Constructors Association.2
Scope for Improvement—A Survey of Pressure Points in Australian Construction and Infrastructure Project
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was released in May 2006, and addresses the problems which occur on major projects, from their conception to completion, and for the life of any disputes which might continue thereafter.
The aim of the research is to help to facilitate future discussion in relation to the root causes of problems in Australian construction projects and how they can be minimised or even avoided in the future. As the title of the report suggests, the study found that there is considerable room for improvement, particularly in the procurement of major projects.
It is unlikely that Australia is alone in experiencing these problems. The author’s intention is that, by highlighting the key issues faced in Australian projects, all readers will be able to place the similar problems they face, and their potential solutions, into an international context.
II. INTRODUCTION
Over the past decade, demand for construction and infrastructure projects in Australia has grown as the domestic economy has surged. However, participants in the industry often encounter a number of pressure points
1 Bill Smith is a partner in the Sydney office of Blake Dawson Waldron, and is the editor of Scope for Improvement
. He wishes to acknowledge the significant efforts of the team responsible for undertaking the research and assisting with the preparation of the report and in particular to Ramona Vijeyarasa who additionally assisted with the preparation of this article.
2 The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) was formed in 1994 to advance the interests of major construction contractors. Its mission is “to make the construction industry safer, more efficient, more competitive and better able to contribute to the development of Australia” through positive leadership.
3 Copies of the report may be requested by contacting the author via bill.smith@bdw.com or via Blake Dawson Waldron’s website: www.bdw.com.
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Pressure Points in Australian Projects
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