The Security of Payment Act
Every Australian state and territory has a Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act (SOPA). This law gives you a statutory right to payment for construction work — even if the client disputes the amount or claims defects.
Under SOPA, you can issue a payment claim on any date agreed in the contract (or if no date is specified, on the last day of each month). The client must then issue a payment schedule within the specified time or they're liable for the full amount claimed.
What SOPA covers
SOPA applies to most construction contracts, including:
- Building and civil engineering work
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC installation
- Landscaping and earthworks
- Painting, tiling, flooring
- Supply of materials used in construction
It does NOT apply to residential construction where the owner lives in the premises (most states).
How Stagex strengthens your SOPA position
Stagex's audit log creates an immutable, cryptographically-verified record of every milestone, every piece of evidence submitted, and every approval or rejection. This is exactly the kind of evidence that adjudicators and courts need to resolve disputes quickly in your favour.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a construction lawyer for advice specific to your situation.