On rare occasions, events outside anyone's reasonable control may affect our ability to deliver a service on the timeframes we would normally expect. This article sets out, in plain terms, how those moments are managed — with the same care we bring to everything else.
What counts
Events beyond our control — sometimes referred to as "force majeure" — include matters such as:
- natural disasters: fire, flood, storm or earthquake
- pandemic, epidemic or public health emergencies
- war, civil unrest or acts of terrorism
- strikes, lock-outs or industrial action
- failure or interruption of utilities, telecommunications or transport networks
- decisions or directions of government or regulatory authorities
- cyber-attack, ransomware or other malicious interference with our systems
What it means in practice
Where such an event affects our ability to perform an obligation under our Terms, that obligation is paused for the duration of the event, and the time for performance is extended accordingly. Obligations to pay money already due are not paused.
We will be in touch as soon as reasonably practicable should a force majeure event affect your dealings with us, and we will take every reasonable step to resume the experience you expect of LANGTONS as soon as we can.
Auctions and events
Where a force majeure event affects an auction or a Members' event, we may, acting reasonably, postpone, reschedule or cancel it. For auctions specifically, we may also extend the closing time — by at least 24 hours and no more than seven calendar days from the original close.
Payment, collection and delivery timeframes
Timeframes for payment, collection, delivery and storage set out in our Terms may also be extended for the duration of a force majeure event.
Long-running events
Should a force majeure event continue for more than 60 calendar days, either party may terminate the affected contract by written notice to the other, without liability beyond any amounts already due.
Your rights under Australian Consumer Law
Nothing in our force majeure arrangements limits any right or remedy you may have under the Australian Consumer Law or any other law that cannot lawfully be excluded.
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Share your enquiry through our Customer Experience contact form and one of our specialists will be in touch shortly. You are also welcome to speak with your Private Client Manager, or call us on 1300 946 347.