Description

In this week's episode, Nick first detailed a record WorkSafe penalty of $975,000 for a Perth company following the death of a 16-year-old worker, clarifying that the fine is a corporate punishment and the victim's family must make a separate workers' compensation or common law claim. Caller Sam sought advice on an unexpected $2,000 charge for extra floor grinding, and Nick advised disputing it based on misleading conduct and implied contract terms, a stance later nuanced by a call from timber flooring expert Jeff who defended the necessary grinding work. Keith queried on behalf of a friend who lost a $140,000 accident payout due to her Sydney solicitor's bankruptcy, and Nick recommended pursuing compensation through the Law Society of New South Wales's Fidelity Fund and the solicitor's professional indemnity insurance. Finally, Jenny asked about her rights after her kitchen builder stopped work mid-contract, with Nick advising her to check the contract's termination clause, find new finishing quotes, and consider a complaint to the Building Commission.

Topics Discussed:

Record fine for workplace safety breach

Unnotified extra charge for flooring work

Disputing cost under Consumer Law

Solicitor's bankruptcy and lost payout

Recourse via fidelity and insurance funds

Builder unilaterally terminated kitchen contract

Checking legal right to contract termination