Surveyors Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of new measures to ensure tradies, subcontractors, and small businesses—including surveyors—are paid on time and in full.

Surveyors Australia CEO Michelle Blicavs attended a Ministerial briefing on Thursday evening to discuss the Government’s latest commitments, which aim to improve cash flow security for businesses in the construction sector.

“The Government’s recognition of the critical role of small businesses in the construction industry is encouraging, and these reforms are a positive step toward ensuring surveyors and other subcontractors receive fair and timely payments,” said Michelle Blicavs.

Key Measures Announced

The new Government action includes:

• Faster Payment Terms – The Commonwealth Supplier Code of Conduct will require government contractors to pay subcontractors within 20 days, with expectations for other government businesses to follow.
• Stronger Protections Against Unfair Trading Practices – Small businesses will be shielded from unfair contract terms and delayed payments.
• Crackdown on Illegal Phoenixing – ASIC will receive additional funding to pursue dodgy directors who shut down companies to avoid paying debts.
• Improved Security of Payment Laws – Steps are being taken to ensure greater consistency across states and territories, strengthening protections for subcontractors.
• Encouraging eInvoicing – A push to streamline invoicing processes will reduce payment delays.

Surveyors Australia’s Response

Surveyors Australia welcomes these reforms and will be monitoring their implementation closely to ensure they deliver real, practical improvements for surveyors working in the construction sector.

“Fair and timely payments are crucial for the viability of small surveying businesses,” said Michelle Blicavs. “While these policy changes are promising, we will be watching closely to ensure they are effectively enforced on the ground.”

Surveyors Australia also acknowledges the Government’s commitment to ongoing consultation with industry stakeholders and urges surveyors to share their on-the-ground experiences of payment issues, unfair contract terms, or delays.

“We encourage our members to provide feedback on how these measures impact them in practice. Their insights will be critical in ensuring further reforms truly address the challenges faced by surveyors and small businesses in the industry,” said Michelle Blicavs.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:
Michelle Blicavs
Chief Executive Officer, Surveyors Australia
ceo@consultingsurveyors.com.au | 0425 244 055

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