17.1 Background

This case involved a dispute over the Contractor's obligations in constructing a new section of the Bass Highway in northern Tasmania. The Contractor, Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd, contracted to design, construct and maintain for ten years a 13.65 km section of road, including bypasses of the towns of Hagley and Westbury. The contract (Project Deed) was with the State of Tasmania by its department, the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER).