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Your Online Business Lawyer

Welcome to Blaze Business & Legal, your trusted Online Business Lawyer. With our office based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and online services available throughout the country, we are dedicated to providing top-notch legal services tailored specifically for businesses.

In this article, we will give you an overview of our services and explain how we can assist you in navigating the legal landscape to protect and grow your business.

Introduction to Blaze Business & Legal, your Online Business Lawyer

Blaze Business & Legal is a leading combined business advisory and law firm that understands the unique challenges businesses face in Australia.

Our team of experienced lawyers and business advisors is committed to providing comprehensive legal solutions that meet the specific needs of your business. Whether you are a startup, SME, or large corporation, we have the expertise and knowledge to support you at every stage of your business journey.

Because we operate both in-person and online, we can be flexible and truly meet your business needs.

Overview of our Legal Services for Businesses

We firmly believe that legal services are crucial in safeguarding businesses and ensuring their success. Our wide range of legal services covers various aspects of business law, including but not limited to:

     

      1. Business Formation and Structuring: Assisting with establishing new businesses, including selecting the appropriate legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.) and handling the necessary registration and compliance requirements. The purpose is to establish a strong foundation while reducing risk for Directors and Shareholders.

      1. Contract Drafting and Review: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to protect your business interests and reduce risk. Eg agreements with suppliers, customers, contractors, and other stakeholders.

      1. Commercial Lease and Real Estate: Advising on commercial lease agreements, including negotiation, review, and termination. Assisting with real estate transactions related to the business, such as purchasing or selling commercial properties.

      1. Employment Law: Advising on employment contracts and drafting policies and procedures.

      1. Regulatory Compliance: Assisting businesses in understanding and complying with relevant laws and regulations specific to their industry, including consumer protection laws, privacy laws, advertising regulations, and more.

      1. Corporate Governance: Providing guidance on corporate governance matters, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and best practices, including board meetings, shareholder agreements, and directors’ duties.

      1. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Business Transactions: Assisting with mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other business transactions, including due diligence, contract negotiation, and documentation.

      1. Dispute Resolution: Helping businesses resolve commercial disputes through negotiation. This may include contract disputes, partnership disputes, and other commercial matters.

      1. Risk Management and Asset Protection: Advising on strategies to mitigate risks and protect the assets of the business, including liability limitation, insurance coverage, and implementing effective risk management practices.

      1. Competition and Consumer Law: Providing guidance on compliance with competition and consumer laws, including anti-competitive practices, consumer protection, and fair trading regulations.

      1. Bankruptcy and Insolvency: Assisting businesses facing financial difficulties and providing legal guidance on restructuring.

      1. Corporate Restructuring and Reorganization: Assisting with corporate restructuring and reorganization, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and changes in ownership or corporate structure.

      1. International Business and Trade: Assisting businesses in navigating international business transactions, cross-border contracts, import/export regulations, and international trade disputes.

    In addition to our general Commercial Law and Business Law practice, we also specialise in Construction Law and providing advice to Construction Companies and those in related industries.

    How We Are Different

    What sets us apart is our unique approach of being a true combined business advisory firm and law firm. We understand that legal issues are intricately intertwined with business strategies and growth. That’s why our team is not only well-versed in the law but also has a deep understanding of business dynamics. We are passionate about helping your business thrive while providing the best possible protection. With Blaze Business & Legal, you can expect strategic advice that aligns with your business goals.

    How Blaze Business & Legal Can Help You and Your Business

    At Blaze Business & Legal, we are dedicated to providing personalized and practical solutions for your business. Our team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor our services accordingly. Whether you need assistance with a legal dispute, contract negotiation, or regulatory compliance, we will leverage our expertise to support you. We are committed to your success and will always strive to deliver exceptional service and results.

    Testimonials

    Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our satisfied clients have to say about our services. Our testimonials demonstrate how we have helped businesses like yours overcome legal challenges and achieve their objectives. We take pride in our track record of delivering outstanding results for our clients.

    Case Study

    Structuring Advice and Legal Support for a New Business in Australia

    Client

    ABC Enterprises Pty Ltd.

    Background

    ABC Enterprises Pty Ltd. is a newly established business in Australia, specialising in the manufacturing and distribution of innovative technological products. The founders of ABC Enterprises, Mr. Smith and Ms. Johnson, sought the assistance of Blaze Business & Legal to ensure their business was properly structured and legally protected right from the start. They needed expert guidance in structuring their business, registering the necessary entities, securing a commercial lease, and drafting essential agreements to govern their relationship with a new business partner.

    Challenges

       

        1. Structuring the Business: Determining the most suitable legal structure for ABC Enterprises that would provide maximum benefits in terms of liability protection, tax efficiency, and operational flexibility.

        1. Registering Proprietary Limited Trustee and Discretionary Trust: Establishing a proprietary limited trustee company and discretionary trust to ensure proper asset protection and effective distribution of profits.

        1. Registering the Business Name: Registering the business name under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to secure the brand identity and comply with legal requirements.

        1. Commercial Lease: Assisting ABC Enterprises in securing a suitable commercial space for their operations by negotiating and finalizing a commercial lease agreement.

        1. Shareholders Agreement and Directors Agreement: Drafting comprehensive agreements to govern the relationship between ABC Enterprises and their new business partner, Mr. Davis, who would be joining as a shareholder and director.

      Actions Taken

         

          1. Structuring Advice: Blaze Business & Legal conducted in-depth consultations with Mr. Smith and Ms. Johnson to understand their business objectives, long-term goals, and specific requirements. After careful analysis, our team recommended structuring ABC Enterprises as a proprietary limited company. This structure offered limited liability protection for the founders, tax advantages, and potential for growth and external funding.

          1. Establishing Proprietary Limited Trustee and Discretionary Trust: To ensure efficient asset protection and proper distribution of profits, Blaze Business & Legal assisted in establishing a proprietary limited trustee company and discretionary trust. This involved preparing and filing the necessary legal documents, including trust deeds and company incorporation documents, with ASIC.

          1. Business Name Registration: Our team facilitated the registration of ABC Enterprises’ business name with ASIC. We conducted a thorough search to ensure the chosen name was available and not infringing on any existing trademarks or registered names. The registration process was efficiently handled, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

          1. Commercial Lease: Blaze Business & Legal represented ABC Enterprises in negotiating the terms of a commercial lease agreement. We carefully reviewed the lease agreement provided by the landlord, advised the client on potential risks and liabilities, and skillfully negotiated favorable terms on their behalf. Through effective communication and negotiation, we ensured that the lease agreement provided suitable rights and protections for ABC Enterprises’ business operations.

          1. Shareholders Agreement and Directors Agreement: Understanding the importance of clarity and defined roles, our team drafted comprehensive Shareholders Agreement and Directors Agreement to govern the relationship between ABC Enterprises and Mr. Davis, their new business partner. These agreements covered essential aspects such as share ownership, decision-making authority, profit distribution, dispute resolution mechanisms, and exit strategies. By carefully considering the unique needs and objectives of all parties involved, we created agreements that provided a solid foundation for their collaboration while minimizing potential conflicts and risks.

        Results and Benefits

           

            1. Efficient Business Structure: ABC Enterprises was established as a proprietary limited company, offering liability protection, tax efficiency, and scalability for future growth. This structure provided peace of mind to Mr. Smith and Ms. Johnson, knowing their personal assets were protected.

            1. Proper Asset Protection: The establishment of a proprietary limited trustee company and discretionary trust ensured effective asset protection and facilitated the distribution of profits to beneficiaries in a tax-efficient manner.

            1. Legally Compliant Business Name: ABC Enterprises successfully registered their business name, establishing a distinct brand identity while complying with ASIC requirements.

            1. Secure Commercial Lease: Blaze Business & Legal’s negotiation expertise enabled ABC Enterprises to secure a favorable commercial lease agreement, providing them with a suitable premises for their operations while mitigating potential risks and liabilities.

            1. Clear Governance and Partnership Terms: The Shareholders Agreement and Directors Agreement drafted by our team clearly outlined the rights, obligations, and expectations of all parties involved. This established a solid foundation for collaboration, minimizing potential conflicts and providing a roadmap for future decision-making and dispute resolution.

          Conclusion

          Blaze Business & Legal provided comprehensive structuring advice and legal support to ABC Enterprises, ensuring their business was set up for success. By assisting with business structuring, registering the necessary entities, securing a commercial lease, and drafting crucial agreements, we helped our clients establish a solid legal foundation, protect their assets, and establish clear governance and partnership terms. Through our expertise and attention to detail, ABC Enterprises was able to focus on growing their business with confidence, knowing they had a trusted legal partner supporting them every step of the way.

          Schedule a Consultation

          If you are seeking reliable legal support for your business, take advantage of us being an Online Business Lawyer and schedule a consultation with our team. During the consultation, we will assess your unique needs and provide you with valuable insights and recommendations. Take the first step toward protecting and growing your business by contacting us today.

          Book Your $550 Strategy Session
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          Ready to Take the Next Step?

          Claim your FREE Structure Diagram or engage Blaze Business & Legal for a full structure analysis + help getting compliant

          Use our unique StructureSAFE app to map your company structure and generate your free structure diagram, or apply for Blaze Business & Legal’s Comprehensive Business Structure Analysis if you need detailed legal and structural advice.

          Apply for my Comprehensive Business Structure Analysis Get my FREE Structure Diagram
          Blaze Business & Legal Logo - Structuring your construction business
          Table of Contents
          Blaze Business & Legal icon. Construction Business Structuring

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          StructureSAFE

          Need help understanding your business structure?

          Get your FREE Structure Diagram with our StructureSAFE app, or engage Blaze Business & Legal for a full Structure Analysis + help getting compliant.

          Apply for our Comprehensive Business Structure Analysis Get my FREE Structure Diagram

          Testimonials

          “My construction business was slipping until a mate told us about Blaze Business & Legal. Now we’re kicking major goals!”

          J. P. – Sunshine Coast Excavation Company

          ___

          “We haven’t met any other lawyer or adviser who understands business structuring the way Rachelle Hare and Shannon Drew do.

          Blaze Business & Legal fills a gap that business owners like me often don’t know is there. Accountants do our tax, lawyers draft a document if you ask for it, and banks expect your structure to be sorted before they will lend.

          Rachelle and Shannon stepped back and looked at the whole structure of my business. They saw where things didn’t line up properly. They pointed out the risks. And they showed me how the structure was holding my business back from growing and getting a bank to lend us money. Then they worked with me and my Accountant to straighten it all out.”

          Steve M, Civil Construction Owner, Brisbane

          State of the Australian Construction Industry 2026 | Blaze Business & Legal
          For construction business owners and executives across Australia: the industry intelligence you need

          State of the Australian Construction Industry

          Expert voices, industry data and ground-level intelligence on the pressures reshaping construction in 2026

          April 2026 Written and compiled by Rachelle Hare Reviewed by Shannon Drew
          Are you in the construction industry? We want to hear what you are seeing on the ground. All contributors credited and linked.
          Email your contribution to this Report →
          Jump to a section
          1Financial Pressure and Fuel Shock 2Material Costs and Supply Chains 3Contracts and Legal Risk 4Government and ATO Response 5Insolvency, Licensing and Business Survival 6The Bigger Picture and Outlook

          What Is Happening to Australian Construction

          The Australian construction industry entered 2026 already under pressure. Labour costs, material prices, insurance premiums and compliance burdens had been rising steadily. Builders were operating on margins that left almost no room for the unexpected.

          Then the Iran conflict closed the Strait of Hormuz. Diesel surged. Fuel costs that were already embedded in every quoted price, every purchase order and every subcontract became a moving target overnight. Contracts locked in months ago at prices that assumed a stable cost environment are now being delivered in conditions those contracts were never designed to handle. The consequences are landing across the entire supply chain: delayed projects, disputed invoices, suppliers applying levies mid-job, and businesses that cannot complete what they have already started without absorbing losses they were never asked to price.

          The voices collected here represent builders, lawyers, accountants, consultants, insolvency practitioners, civil contractors, peak bodies, industry bodies and commentators across Australia.

          36%
          Diesel price rise in two weeks following Iran conflict escalation
          BuiltGrid, April 2026
          5.8%
          Construction insolvency rate, above the national average
          BuiltGrid, April 2026
          7%
          Annual construction cost growth before this crisis, nearly double general inflation
          BuiltGrid, April 2026
          30.8%
          Build cost increase that followed the COVID supply shock
          BuiltGrid, April 2026
          79%
          Of civil construction energy that comes from diesel
          Civil Contractors Federation Australia, April 2026
          ~90%
          Of Australia's oil that is imported
          SBS News, March 2026
          Section 1

          Financial Pressure and the Fuel Shock

          The construction industry in Australia entered 2026 already absorbing multiple simultaneous cost pressures. Shannon Drew, Management Accountant and Fractional CFO at Blaze Business & Legal, has modelled the combined impact of six simultaneous cost inputs across client portfolios. The finding is consistent, in that the total uncontracted cost impact of the current fuel crisis on active projects is two to three times higher than the direct diesel number. What Shannon has found is that a business which has calculated its diesel exposure at $180,000 often finds its full-portfolio exposure increased to $395,000 by the time it takes these other five cost impacts into account. Shannon has written a full analysis of the financial impact of the construction cost crisis on project margins →

          Industry Data
          “

          Australian industry conditions declined materially in March, with the Australian Industry Index falling 19.9 points to -23.6, the steepest monthly fall since the initial pandemic phase of early 2020. Uncertainty was the main factor, with 30% of businesses reporting volatility in fuel prices, freight and supply arrangements. More than a quarter said rising costs were a major pressure across fuel, freight, raw materials, resins, plastics and packaging.

          Australian Industry GroupAustralian Industry Index, March 2026
          4 April 2026australianindustrygroup.com.au
          Peak Body
          “

          Construction, and civil in particular, is the most reliant Australian industry on diesel, contributing 79% of our energy. Civil Contractors Federation Australia has spoken to governments and national and state media about the rise in costs and the contract flexibility needed to work through the energy shock. Minimising price rises in maintenance and replacement costs of civil infrastructure requires the government working closely with the civil sector in the period ahead.

          Nicholas ProudCEO, Civil Contractors Federation Australia
          2 April 2026ccf.com.au
          Contractor
          “

          Diesel hit $3 a litre last week. We've got lump sum contracts locked in, purchase orders issued, and now suppliers are adding fuel levies or pushing back on supply unless prices move. Every path from here costs someone money that wasn't in the original deal.

          Tim BuckleConstruction Contractor, Australia
          2 April 2026LinkedIn
          Civil Contractor
          “

          For regional and civil contractors, the compounding effect is the biggest concern: fuel costs hit transport first, then materials, then every other input. There is no way to swap diesel out. It is what moves everything.

          Colm PhibbsCivil Construction, Regional Australia
          2 April 2026LinkedIn
          Developer
          “

          In recent weeks we have engaged with our supply chain, consultants and subcontractors to understand the real cost impact hitting active and pipeline projects. The picture is not uniform, but the direction is consistent, and the pace is faster than anything we saw coming out of COVID.

          Wayne AzzopardiHead of Urban Projects, Orion Group Construction and Infrastructure
          4 April 2026LinkedIn
          Parliament
          “

          A national reef operator in Far North Queensland will see fuel expenses increase by $1 million dollars from February to end of financial year in June. Fuel shortages and fuel costs are impacting farmers, the tourism industry, and regional communities and small business owners. One in seven people in Far North Queensland are employed by tourism.

          Bree James MPMember for Barron River, Queensland Parliament
          March 2026bree4barronriver.com.au
          Blaze Business & Legal
          “

          Our phones have rung off the hook this week. We have had a flood of enquiries from builders wanting to introduce cost-escalation clauses, and from homeowners seeking advice because some builders are now trying to cancel contracts that were only just signed. If they make the wrong move, the consequences can be significant. The smartest thing anyone in the industry can do is slow down, understand their legal position, and avoid making reactive decisions under pressure.

          Rachelle HareBusiness Adviser, specialist Construction Lawyer and Managing Director, Blaze Business & Legal
          4 April 2026blazebusinessandlegal.com.au
          Media
          “

          Australia imports roughly 90 per cent of its oil, and the country's refinery count has fallen from eight to just two. The shift has left Australia increasingly exposed to global energy shocks. Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed six oil shipments bound for Australia in April were turned back or deferred due to escalating tensions. The government has alluded to a "national crisis."

          SBS NewsFuel Supply Analysis, Australia
          22 March 2026sbs.com.au
          Analysis
          “

          $9 per litre diesel by July? Sounds ridiculous until you actually run the numbers. Australia runs on diesel. We've got 20 to 26 days of supply. We import 90%, refined in Asia, but the supply chain runs through the Middle East for around 48%. We are at the very end of that chain. With flows constrained at 25%, that is where pricing breaks. With flows stalled, you are looking at a 60-plus per cent shortfall, and fast. That is not expensive fuel anymore. That is access. Industries start to slow, or stop.

          Marcus ZeltzerConstruction and Infrastructure Adviser, Australia
          4 April 2026LinkedIn
          Rachelle Hare LinkedIn post April 2026 on the construction industry fuel crisis
          Policy Analysis
          “

          The current fuel security issue was entirely predictable and, in fact, comprehensively predicted. No recent Australian government can say it was not warned. The "fair-weather" approach that plagues Australia's fuel security could not contrast more starkly with the concerted action directed towards critical minerals. The 2014-15 senate inquiry into Australia's transport energy resilience examined the very issues in which the country is currently mired.

          Brent JacksonLowy Institute
          19 March 2026lowyinstitute.org

          "The global shocks we have been hit with this decade are not passing storms. They are extremes of a more volatile economic climate."

          Jon Davies, referencing the Prime Minister's address to the National Press Club • LinkedIn, April 2026
          Section 2

          Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruption

          Fuel is the headline. Materials are where the damage compounds. The Reece Group notifications, cement surcharges and trucking levies represent confirmed, enforceable cost increases arriving mid-project on budgets that never included them. For businesses on fixed-price contracts, each of these increases transfers directly to margin.

          Supply chains built on just-in-time delivery and imported product have nowhere to absorb consecutive shocks. The businesses most exposed are those with no forward procurement, no supplier agreements locking in prices, and no visibility into their cost-to-complete across the full project portfolio.

          We have written a detailed guide to rising construction costs in Australia and what businesses can do about them →

          Media
          “

          National average unleaded petrol reached 219.5 cents per litre for the week ending 15 March, up from around 169 cents before the conflict intensified. Diesel climbed to 245.6 cents per litre, with isolated reports of $3 per litre in parts of Sydney's northern beaches. The surge ranks among the sharpest in the developed world, per GlobalPetrolPrices data.

          International Business Times AustraliaFuel Crisis Coverage
          22 March 2026ibtimes.com.au
          Industry Data
          “

          Diesel is up 36 per cent in two weeks. Petrol is up 30 per cent. Reece Group has notified customers of price increases of up to 36 per cent on HDPE pipe, 31 per cent on stormwater drainage products, and 28.5 per cent on PVC from 18 April. Cement is up 15 per cent on imports, 10 per cent on local manufacturing, with trucking adding another 12 to 15 per cent on top. CreditorWatch is already warning of another wave of insolvencies across construction, road freight, and every sector in between.

          BuiltGridConstruction Supply Chain Platform, Australia
          1 April 2026builtgrid.com
          Legal
          “

          From where I sit advising on contracts and commercial risk, the real exposure for construction, mining and defence lies in the wider logistics and production ecosystem: urea, ammonium nitrate, industrial chemicals and other inputs that keep transport, earthworks, explosives and agriculture moving. Once those start to bite, the pressure shows up quickly in food prices, basic household needs, and wage and CPI expectations.

          Kirsten DilenaGeneral Counsel and Commercial Director, DLC Legal (Construction, Mining and Defence), QLD
          22 March 2026dlclegal.com.au
          Blaze Business & Legal
          “

          One of our SME transport clients is now spending an additional $10,000 per week on fuel costs for their trucks. That is not an annualised forecast. That is the cash flow hit landing in a single week. For businesses operating on thin margins with fixed-price commitments, there is no buffer. The question is whether the financial controls are in place to see the problem clearly before it becomes a solvency event.

          Shannon DrewManagement Accountant, Costs Accountant, Fractional CFO and Business Adviser, Blaze Business & Legal
          4 April 2026blazebusinessandlegal.com.au
          Jason Burgess LinkedIn comment on the fuel crisis and construction
          Tim Whittle LinkedIn comment on the fuel crisis
          Chetan Bidwai LinkedIn comment on the fuel crisis
          Section 4

          Government and ATO Response

          The ATO fuel response measures are available until 30 June 2026. For eligible ABN holders who can demonstrate that fuel costs have specifically impacted their capacity to meet tax obligations, the payment plan provides real cash flow relief. The fuel excise cut reduces costs at the pump from 1 April, but the benefit reverses immediately on 30 June if the conflict has not resolved.

          Most of the relief measures are reactive. Businesses need to apply, demonstrate eligibility, and navigate ATO processes. This is worth doing, but it does not substitute for understanding your legal position on live contracts.

          If you need advice on your specific situation, this is where to start →

          Media
          “

          The ATO has launched temporary repayment plans for businesses struggling with surging fuel costs, and will limit compliance actions in the hardest-hit industries. Through the plan, eligible taxpayers can lock in three-year payment commitments, with equal monthly instalments and no upfront payment. The ATO's shift reverses a course of increasingly stern compliance measures that had been in place since the end of COVID-19 restrictions.

          SmartCompanySmall Business News, Australia
          2 April 2026smartcompany.com.au
          Official Source
          “

          The ATO recognises that high fuel costs are affecting some businesses and will provide targeted support to eligible businesses unable to meet their payment obligations for three months, until 30 June 2026. This includes streamlined access to more flexible payment plan arrangements, including longer payment terms, no upfront payment, and access to general interest charge remission. If high fuel costs are affecting your business's ability to meet tax payment obligations and you are having difficulty getting working capital financing from your bank, please let us know.

          Rob Heferen, Commissioner of TaxationAustralian Taxation Office
          1 April 2026ato.gov.au
          Official Source
          “

          From 1 April to 30 June 2026, the fuel excise tax has been cut in half, from 52.6 cents per litre down to 26.3 cents per litre. The Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge, previously 32.4 cents per litre, has also been dropped to zero for the same three-month period. Fuel tax credit rates for heavy vehicles on public roads are now 20.2 cents per litre, and for other business use off-road, 52.6 cents per litre. When the relief ends on 30 June, prices jump straight back up if the conflict has not been resolved.

          Australian Taxation OfficeATO Fuel Response
          1 April 2026ato.gov.au
          Media
          “

          We can't control the war in the Middle East. We can't stop the war in the Middle East, but what a responsible government can do is do everything it can to shield its citizens and to shield small businesses. The ATO has agreed to provide temporary relief for businesses unable to meet their tax obligations due to fuel supply issues, including more generous payment plans, remission of interest and penalties, and support in PAYG instalments where there's been a downturn in tax income.

          Anne Aly, Small Business MinisterAustralian Federal Government
          March 2026sbs.com.au
          Section 5

          Insolvency, Licensing and Business Survival

          The insolvency wave that followed COVID-19 has not fully unwound. Construction remains the highest-risk sector for insolvency in Australia. What the fuel crisis has added is a new trigger point for businesses that were already operating on thin margins, and a new source of uncertainty for builders who do not know what would happen to their QBCC licence or home warranty insurance if they needed to restructure. Marcus Petrovic's contributions below speak directly to that uncertainty: many builders in financial difficulty delay restructuring because they cannot get a clear answer on what restructuring would mean for their licence and their ability to keep operating.

          The pattern is consistent: a business wins work at a competitive margin, costs rise during delivery, the margin compresses, cash flow tightens, and a payment dispute or variation rejection breaks the position.

          This is where Blaze Business & Legal comes in, providing business, financial management and cash flow, legal, commercial, operational and compliance advice for businesses that are struggling but do not yet need to turn to formal restructuring and insolvency mechanisms. For those businesses that are in financial distress, directors who engage early, while the Small Business Restructure pathway and the statutory safe harbour under the Corporations Act are still available, have significantly better options than those who wait.

          We have written about why builders go broke in Australia and what the early warning signs look like →

          Insolvency
          “

          It's not just the variation in rules between states that creates confusion. It's the uncertainty around whether builders and tradespeople will actually be able to start again and retain their licence and insurance. Outcomes for similar situations can differ not only across states, but more concerningly, even within the same state authority. That uncertainty often leads to people putting their heads in the sand until things get too far gone. If there was more clarity and confidence around these issues, I think more people would make the call to restructure earlier.

          Marcus PetrovicDirector, Mackay Goodwin Insolvency Practitioners, Sydney
          3 April 2026mackaygoodwin.com.au
          Insolvency
          “

          There remains a critical and often underemphasised issue: the lack of consistency between state regulatory bodies, particularly in relation to licensing and home warranty insurance. Key areas of uncertainty include the treatment of a licence if insolvency occurs, whether it is automatically terminated, suspended or subject to a review process, the timeframe for reapplying, and the status of home warranty insurance during and after restructuring. These are fundamental questions for which even experienced industry professionals are often unable to provide definitive answers.

          Marcus PetrovicDirector, Mackay Goodwin Insolvency Practitioners, Sydney
          3 April 2026mackaygoodwin.com.au
          Academic Research
          “

          Even before this Middle East war, construction already had more insolvencies than any other industry, more than doubling since COVID. Despite huge demand for new housing, the 2024-25 financial year saw a record 3,490 construction firms enter insolvency. When builders collapse, the contagion spreads quickly: tradies lose jobs, subcontractors go under, projects stall and consumers face financial and emotional devastation. If this oil crisis lingers, more builders are likely to go bust, slowing down housing supply.

          Lyndall Bryant, Amanda Bull, Elizabeth Streten et al.QUT Centre for Justice, Queensland University of Technology
          31 March 2026theconversation.com
          Insolvency
          “

          Directors concerned about the financial impact of rising fuel costs on cash flow need to understand what restructuring options are available. The statutory safe harbour regime under the Corporations Act 2001 can support genuine restructuring attempts while providing protection for directors who might otherwise face personal liability for insolvent trading. Such options may be available even if the director suspects the company may be, or is, insolvent.

          HWL Ebsworth LawyersNational Commercial Law Firm, Australia
          March 2026hwlebsworth.com.au
          Blaze Business & Legal
          “

          Businesses delay restructuring not because they want to, but because they cannot get a clear answer on what will happen to their QBCC licence. Queensland's licensing regime has its own complexities, and those complexities do not pause for a fuel crisis. The businesses best placed are those that already understood their QBCC obligations and MFR requirements before things became urgent. By the time most call us, the options have narrowed.

          Rachelle HareBusiness Adviser, specialist Construction Lawyer and Managing Director, Blaze Business & Legal
          4 April 2026blazebusinessandlegal.com.au

          Contribute to This Report

          At Blaze Business & Legal, we are in front of construction businesses every day. Shannon Drew, our Management Accountant and Fractional CFO, has been running the numbers on what is happening to margins across the industry. Rachelle Hare, our specialist Construction Lawyer, has been working through the contract implications.

          Our current analysis puts the aggregate cost increase at 7 to 7.5 percent across the board, across fuel, materials, wages, super, insurance, interest rates, and government charges, with more to come in the second half of 2026. But numbers without voices are just numbers, and they don't tell us enough.

          We want to hear from the people who are actually living this: contractors, subcontractors, principals, advisers, insurers, suppliers, financiers, industry bodies and commentators. Those who are struggling and those who are not. Those who have found solutions and those who are still looking.

          All contributors will be credited and linked. Anonymous contributions can be published with your industry category and state noted.

          Please include:

          • Your name, title and business name
          • How your business fits into construction or related industries (eg contractor or supplier)
          • Your state or territory
          • Your quote, comment, data or insights (one to three paragraphs)
          • A link to your website or social media for us to cite

          Choose the section that best matches your experience, or contribute to more than one:

          Section 1Financial Pressure and Fuel ShockWhat is the cost environment doing to your margins, cash flow, and working capital? Numbers welcome.
          Section 2Material Costs and Supply ChainsWhat material and supply chain price movements are you seeing? Confirmed figures and supplier notifications welcome.
          Section 3Contracts and Legal RiskWhat contractual challenges are you seeing? Rise and fall clauses, force majeure, fixed-price risk, notices, subcontract issues.
          Section 4Government and ATO ResponseAre the government relief measures working for your business? What is missing from the policy response?
          Section 5Insolvency, Licensing and Business SurvivalAre you seeing more businesses going under? Have you been personally affected? What are the warning signs?
          Section 6The Bigger Picture and OutlookWhere do you think this ends? What does the construction industry look like at the end of 2026?
          Email your contribution to this Report →

          Important (please read)

          This report draws on published articles, LinkedIn posts, direct correspondence and professional observations shared for the purpose of industry commentary. Quotes have been reproduced accurately and in full context to the best of Blaze Business & Legal's knowledge. Statistics in the stats bar are attributed to their sources. All source URLs were accurate at the time of compilation in April 2026. Rachelle Hare and Shannon Drew's contributions represent their perspective of, and obligations on, the construction industry and do not constitute legal, financial management or business advice.

          If you believe your published article or post has been inaccurately quoted, or if you do not wish it to be shown on this page, please email enquiry@blazebusinessandlegal.com.au with the relevant information and we will promptly take it down.

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