Getting paid

This includes:

• QBCC licensees that are working as:
  • head contractors
  • subcontractors
  • trade contractors
  • owner builders
• suppliers
• other building and construction industry consultants such as architects and engineers
• principals in the contractual chain such as:
  • developers
  • commercial building owners.

NOTE: this information does not relate to payments from homeowners.

It is not uncommon in the building and construction industry for agreements for work to be made verbally and with a handshake, this is where a dispute can arise. A verbal contract makes it difficult to prove what was agreed to and the entitlement required to be paid. It is important to always use a written contract to protect your payment rights.

Securing payment

The security of payment legislation is designed to promote cash flow down the contracting chain. It does so by providing a number of protections for contractors and mechanisms for the recovery of progress payments or unpaid debts. There is a correct way to request payment and respond to a payment claim.

It is important to understand your rights when being paid from a trust account.