Thomas acts for claimants and respondents across security of payment adjudications, construction disputes and building compliance matters, with market-leading depth across all Australian security of payment regimes.

Biography

Thomas acts for contractors, subcontractors, developers and project owners in construction disputes, security of payment adjudications and compliance matters across building, construction, mining, civil works and energy and resources industries. He is based in Brisbane.

Thomas advises on security of payment legislation across all Australian jurisdictions and has acted in over 125 adjudications for both claimants and respondents. He advises on construction and building licensing and compliance issues for domestic and international clients, and provides front-end contract advice on risk management in major project delivery. He is a recognised authority on Queensland building and construction law reform, including the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 and non-conforming building products legislation.

Thomas’s matters include acting for a Canadian EPC firm in a subrogated insurance dispute regarding the world’s largest single-train ammonia facility on the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia, Supreme Court of Queensland litigation for A$16 million in expectation damages, and adjudications and contract advisory for tier one contractors on major road and civil infrastructure projects.

Thomas has market-leading experience in security of payment adjudications across all Australian jurisdictions, with over 125 adjudications conducted. His depth in Queensland construction law reform and non-conforming building products regulation is a genuine differentiator.

Credentials

Academic qualifications:

Thomas' experience

SNC-Lavalin — Ammonia facility dispute (Burrup Peninsula)

Acting for Canadian EPC firm SNC-Lavalin Inc in a dispute regarding the world’s largest single-train ammonia facility on the Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia, involving a subrogated insurance claim for historical damage to critical equipment and complex questions of liability and damages.

Tomkins Commercial — A$16 million expectation damages (Supreme Court of Queensland)

Acting for Tomkins Commercial and Industrial Builders in Supreme Court of Queensland litigation against a developer for recovery of A$16 million in expectation damages.

Tomkins Commercial — Security of payment adjudication

Acting for Tomkins Commercial and Industrial Builders in a security of payment adjudication for a payment claim of A$1,980,512, achieving an award of over 90% of the claimed amount.

Tier one contractor — Road upgrade project

Advising a tier one contractor on the construction of an 11.3km highway upgrade including 13 bridges, including contract documentation review and project roadmap for contractual risk management.

Awards, recognition and ranking