One of the most common issues facing Civic Legal’s local government and private clients alike is the enforcement or interpretation of unclear agreements.
It is tempting to limit time and money spent on preparing an agreement to ensure projects progress faster and cheaper. However, too often the parties miss an important point that leads to confusion, disputes and delays further down the track. These often cost much more than it would have cost to slow down the contracting process and making sure everyone is on the same page.
This article sets out some key issues to keep in mind when forming contracts so that there are less dramas and the government can get on with governing.
Local governments have more obligations than companies or individuals when contracting. The Local Government Act 1995 (WA) and other legislation provides for the roles and responsibilities of local governments in many different situations.
Most importantly, local governments need to engage in a tender process when contracting for another person to supply goods and services where the contract is worth more than $150,000 (excluding GST) (reg 11(1) Local Government (Functions and General) Regulations 1996 (WA)).
There are number of exceptions to the tender process in regulation 11(2), including emergency expenditures, the WALGA preferred supplier program and a number of specific types of suppliers or situations.
If the contract is not subject to tender, the regulations provide for a number of other obligations – including that the local government must have a purchasing policy containing certain provisions. These policies will include how many quotes to obtain and how to manage the process. An officer who fails to comply with their government’s purchasing policy may be guilty of misconduct.
A contract is formed when one party makes an ‘offer’ (an expression of willingness to enter into a contract on the terms stated) and the other ‘accepts’ that offer.
Generally speaking, the obligations need to be relatively clear for a contract to exist. However, a contract may not be clear enough – and that’s where your enforceable contract creates problems for you.
As you are about to enter into a commercial relationship with someone you trust, it is often assumed that the contract is drafted fairly or accurately. This is not always the case – even if the contractor is acting properly.
You should always read the written agreement and check all the important terms. What do the local government and the contractor have to do under the contract? When can you terminate? If there’s a delay in the project, does the local government have recourse against the contractor? What circumstances could change the contract?
Not all contracts are in writing. Contracts can also be oral – or a mixture of written and oral. To ensure that your contract is clearer, keep the following points in mind:
Sometimes a contract is not drafted properly. Other times, it is deliberately drafted so that you will not understand it. Sometimes, it may even be that the local government and contractor have misunderstood one another when entering into the contract.
If you do not think the contract reflects the deal – don’t sign it. You have two options here: asking for amendments to the contract so it is clear, or, if in doubt, ask your lawyers.
Author: Glenn Scott
Disclaimer: This article provides a general summary of subject matter and does not constitute legal advice. The law may change and circumstances may differ. Therefore, you should seek legal advice for your specific circumstances.
