Contracts are the backbone of every successful consultancy, but navigating complex clauses and risk provisions can be challenging. “The Centre for Contracting & Risk offers free expert advice, best practice resources and support in challenging unfair clauses,” says Kristy Eulenstein.

Consult Australia established the Centre for Contracting & Risk in 2024 to help people in industry and government understand the interplay between contracts, risk and professional indemnity insurance. 

This year, Consult Australia has expanded the Centre’s offerings, with a new ‘insights’ section developed in collaboration with NEC Contracts.

“The Centre enables members to raise concerns about problematic contract clauses. If you come across a contract term that doesn’t seem quite right, you can reach out to Consult Australia at any time,” says Kristy, Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations.

The Centre’s homepage features a ‘refer an issue’ button, giving members a direct line to expert support.

Kristy is passionate about helping members push back on unfair contract terms: “Members might think I get tired of seeing dodgy liability clauses or excessive professional indemnity requirements – but I welcome them. Not because they should exist, but because every issue raised fuels the fire of my team’s advocacy. We are proud to have helped many small businesses push back on unreasonable contract terms from both private sector and government clients.”

Exclusive member benefits

Angela Harlen, Director of longstanding Consult Australia member ACS Engineers, leans on Consult Australia’s team for advice on contracts.

“Joining Consult Australia added to our bag of external helpers that assist us navigate the compliance world. Consult Australia has excellent resources that help complement our business operations,” Angela says.

Members gain access to a suite of valuable resources in the Centre, including:

A valuable industry resource

The Centre is a valuable resource for the broader industry and government, Kristy notes. “The Centre shows a small fraction of the hard work we do as the voice of industry. Our goal is for the Centre to become the ‘go-to’ spot for all things contracting and risk for consultants and those that engage them.”

With new content and insights – including the upcoming Unravelling Risk report – the Centre is evolving to meet industry needs. 

“Whether you’re looking for contract advice, best-practice resources, or a way to push back on unfair clauses, Consult Australia is here to help.”