QLD Chapter Event: Construction Disputes - Prevention and Cure

In the high stress and high-speed environment of construction, the inevitable differences between contracting parties and their representative too often go unresolved and become disputes.

In this session, the panel will first outline the numerous and varied techniques available to contracting parties and their representative for settling differences, thereby stopping these differences from becoming formal disputes.

The panel will then explain the significance of when and how unresolved differences become formal disputes and will then identify the wide variety of forums and techniques available for resolving these disputes, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Attendees will benefit from the panelist's practical experience, as they will provide examples of how and in what circumstances they have used the various avoidance and resolution techniques.

Light refreshments and networking will follow the panel discussion.

About the speakers:

Paul Roberts FAIQS, CQS
Managing Director, Secretariat

Paul is Managing Director of Secretariat International’s Australia operations and is an AIQS National Board member. He is a vastly experienced quantity surveyor with over 40 years of experience in all facets of commercial, contractual and dispute management, spanning a wide variety of building, engineering, mining, and petrochemical projects located throughout Australia, South East Asia, and the UK.

With over 20 years specialising in dispute avoidance and resolution, Paul is formally trained and experienced as adjudicator, arbitrator, expert determiner, and mediator and is regularly appointed to act as Expert Witness

Kristy Smith
Partner, Holding Redlich

Kirsty is a partner in Holding Redlich’s Construction, Infrastructure and Projects Team, specialising in the dispute resolution and project delivery advice. 

She is experienced in litigation, expert determination, mediation and arbitration concerning a wide range of issues on construction projects that often lead to complex negotiations, disputes and settlements. Kirsty also has extensive experience in providing advice to clients on claims during delivery of projects, helping clients minimise and manage disputes, and acting in adjudications under security of payment legislation across Australia.

Thomas Ambrose
Barrister, Alfred Lutwyche Chambers

Thomas is an experienced junior counsel with a general commercial practice. He has a particular interest in construction and infrastructure law (including security of payment), contract law, insurance, professional negligence and trade practices and consumer law.

Thomas is briefed to appear in court and tribunal proceedings (in Queensland and interstate), mediations, expert determinations and arbitrations. He appears both led and unled.

Thomas is recognised in Doyle’s Guide 2025 as a leading construction and infrastructure law counsel in Queensland.

About the event:

Date: Wednesday, 3rd of September, 2025
Time: 5:00pm arrival for 5:30pm start - 7:30pm conclusion (AEST)
Location: Arcadis, Level 35, 111 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD
Price: $48.00 (incl. GST) AIQS Members // $60.00 (incl. GST) Non-Members
CPD: 1.5 points

Disclaimer: The information presented in this webinar is accurate to the best of the speaker’s knowledge at the time of recording. AIQS does not independently verify the content and accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes that may occur after publication. Viewers are encouraged to exercise their own judgement and seek professional advice where appropriate.