Proportionate Liability: A reality check
Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026 (1:00 - 2:00pm AEST)
Proportionate liability was intended to protect design professionals, but in practice that protection can be uncertain. With differing regimes across Australia and contracts increasingly seeking to “opt out,” architects and consultants may face exposure beyond their share of fault.
In this one-hour session, barrister Tony Horan will explore how proportionate liability is being applied in practice, including the national landscape, contracting considerations, and where disproportionate risk can arise. The session will also outline practical approaches to managing exposure—from contract negotiation and insurance through to project delivery and disputes.
If you’re relying on proportionate liability, this session offers a chance to test that assumption and consider next steps.
CPD: 1 formal hour
Learning Objectives
Following completion of this webinar, you will:
- Understand the legal framework of proportional liability in Australia
- Identify key differences in proportional liability regimes across Australian states and territories and their impact on practice
- Recognise contractual provisions that may exclude or modify proportional liability, including indemnities and limitation clauses
- Assess the risks associated with contracting out of proportional liability and the implications for professional indemnity insurance
- Apply practical strategies to manage liability exposure
- Evaluate risk allocation in consultancy agreements to ensure alignment with professional obligations
Units of Competency / Performance Criteria (as per the National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021)
PC 1, PC 2, PC 3, PC 5, PC 6
Time
The webinar is scheduled to commence at:
1.00pm - NSW/ACT/Vic/Tas/QLD
12.30 noon - South Australia and NT
11.00am - Western Australia
Venue
Webinar
Cost
Standard - $80
Group Booking Discount - Up to 5 people - $340
Group Booking Discount - 6 - 10 people - $500
Group Booking Discount - 11 - 15 people - $600
Group Booking Discount - Whole Office - $800
To access discounted prices, please enter the promotional code at the checkout.
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