The Allan Labor Government is backing tradies and building confidence in Victoria's construction sector with reforms that will make sure subcontractors get paid on time and in full.
Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing today introduced the Fairer Payments on Jobsites Bill, delivering tough new measures to help subcontractors recover money they are owed for completed work.
The Bill is part of a broader framework of reforms designed to protect consumers and workers by reinforcing confidence in the building industry.
Subbies are central to Victoria's building industry, and the Labor Government is making sure they get paid fairly and promptly for their hard work.
The Bill delivers on the Labor Government's response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Employers and Contractors, strengthens the Security of Payment Act 2002 and gives tradies better access to dispute resolution and enforcement to ensure fairer payment practices on jobsites.
It also formalises registration processes for building surveyors and inspectors to boost the supply of skilled workers.
These reforms give subcontractors financial security just as we approach the financially straining holiday period, build consumer confidence and will strengthen the industry as Victoria continues to approve and build more homes.
As stated by Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing
"All workers - including subcontractors - deserve to be paid fairly and promptly. This legislation is focussed on providing more certainty and confidence to subcontractors, which will in turn boost productivity across the industry."
"We're working with consumer groups, businesses, unions and industry groups to make sure we get the balance right - so builders, tradies and suppliers can get on with delivering more safe, high-quality homes for Victorians."
As stated by Assistant Secretary Victorian Trades Hall Council Amanda Threlfall
"This Bill sends a clear message to anyone in the building industry who refuses to pay subcontracted tradies: Victorian workers must be paid for their work on time and to the full agreed amount. Workers in the building industry will be protected by the reforms in this Bill."
As stated by Assistant Secretary Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Victoria Paddy McCrudden
"The building industry relies on hard-working subcontractors like plumbers. The reforms in this Bill will ensure subbies are paid fairly and won't be forced to spend hours out of their week chasing money they are owed for completed works"
As stated by John Murray AM
"The Bill will significantly reform Victoria's current security of payments regime. It will ensure that the adjudication process will be able to deal with disputed payment claims quickly and fairly, addressing the imbalance of power that has had a devastating impact on subcontractors."
"The reforms will now enable subcontractors to recover payments for all work carried out under a building contract, including variation work."
