Statement of Work Template (Master Service Agreement) - Australia

Purpose and legal effect of a statement of work

A Statement of Work (SOW) is a legally enforceable project-specific schedule that outlines the operational and commercial details of an individual engagement. It is issued pursuant to an MSA and forms part of the contract when executed by the parties. It allows both parties to manage scope, timing, and expectations with clarity while maintaining alignment with the general terms and conditions in the MSA.

This template has been designed to:

• Clearly define the scope of services, responsibilities, project objectives, and success criteria;
• Specify key milestones, delivery schedules, timelines, and dependencies;
• Set out agreed fees, invoicing arrangements, and payment milestones;
• Allocate personnel, resources, locations, and client responsibilities;
• Identify acceptance procedures, reporting requirements, and change management protocols.

Use of an SOW ensures precise control over individual work packages within a broader services framework, reduces ambiguity, and facilitates project governance and accountability.

Instructions for completion

Customisation and adaptation

This template must be adapted to reflect the specific project, service type, and commercial terms agreed between the parties. The SOW should:

• Clearly reference the governing MSA (or other agreement) by date and title;
• Include a detailed “Scope of Services” that identifies what is and is not included;
• Outline expected deliverables, formats, and performance or service level benchmarks;
• Address site access, working hours, remote requirements, and dependencies.

Legal and operational considerations

The SOW is only effective if issued under a valid and binding Master Service Agreement (or equivalent). Ensure:

• Any conflicts between the MSA and SOW are resolved in favour of the MSA (unless explicitly overridden);
• Confidentiality, intellectual property, and data protection terms are referenced or restated where relevant;
• Sign-off and approval processes are defined to avoid ambiguity over delivery or acceptance.

Legal advice should be obtained (e.g. from Maguire Legal at [email protected]) where:

• The SOW involves regulated or sensitive services (e.g. medical, legal, financial);
• Fixed-price work is combined with time-and-materials components;
• Deliverables involve third-party IP or proprietary technologies;
• There is uncertainty around performance obligations or liability thresholds.

Supplementary notes

• The Schedule or Annexures should include detailed technical specifications, pricing tables, timelines, resource plans, and reporting formats where necessary.
• For each SOW issued under the MSA, maintain a unique identifier or version control number.
• Ensure the SOW is duly signed by authorised representatives of both parties and retained alongside the governing MSA.
• Changes to the scope or deliverables must be recorded using a formal change order process.

Copyright and intellectual property notice

This document and its contents are subject to copyright protection under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and all applicable intellectual property legislation. Unauthorised use, duplication, adaptation, or distribution is strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of Maguire Legal. Citation of excerpts is permitted only where full attribution is provided.

Legal disclaimer

This document has been prepared by Maguire Legal for general guidance purposes only. It does not constitute, and is not intended to constitute, legal advice. No warranties or representations are made as to its legal effect or suitability for specific circumstances. Users must exercise their own judgment and obtain independent legal advice prior to reliance. Maguire Legal disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from use of this document in whole or in part.

About Maguire Legal

Maguire Legal is an Australian law firm combining legal advice on all aspects of Australian employment, commercial, corporate and workplace relations law with exceptional business research skills and management development designed to build business capability in Australian enterprises of all types and size.