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"Subtle" tweaks to contractor agreements now critical: lawyer

In the wake of the recent High Court contractor rulings, a lawyer says it's critical to assess existing arrangements and tweak some 'typical' language that could now be problematic.

Squire Patton Boggs partner Nicola Martin says the "starting point" is to review agreements and remove any reference to the principal's right to control.

She recommends updating any independent contractor agreements "to make sure that, insofar as possible, the legal rights, duties and obligations created are consistent with the relationship of independent contractor".

This is because some commonly used clauses could be problematic, such as the contractor "must comply with reasonable directions [of the] principal and/or client", she told an APSCo webinar this week...