Security of Payment Lawyers with a Proven Success Rate

Our Security of Payment lawyers have achieved a success rate exceeding 95% across payment claims, payment schedules, and adjudications Australia-wide.

We don’t rely on templates or shortcuts. Every matter is strategically prepared in accordance with the facts of the dispute to maximise recovery, minimise risk, and comply strictly with statutory requirements under the relevant Security of Payment Act.

We consistently deliver results by:

• Drafting compliant, enforceable payment claims under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act
• Identifying jurisdictional defects early
• Preparing persuasive adjudication submissions
• Anticipating and neutralising opposing arguments

Highly Experienced Security of Payment Adjudication Lawyers

With over 100 adjudications completed, our SOPA lawyers understand how adjudicators think, decide, and assess evidence.

We regularly act for contractors, subcontractors, developers, and principals.

Our adjudication experience covers high-value construction disputes, complex claims involving variations and delay, and urgent statutory timeframes.

Why experience matters: Adjudication under the Security of Payment Act is fast and unforgiving. Errors cannot usually be corrected. Outcomes depend on precision and strategy.

National Security of Payment Lawyers – All States and Territories

We provide Australia-wide Security of Payment legal services, with a deep understanding of every jurisdiction including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Each state has different legislation, deadlines, and legal interpretations. We will ensure your claim or response is fully compliant with the correct Act, wherever the project is located.

The Security of Payment Act is a fast-track process that helps contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants recover progress payments for construction work or related goods and services in Australia. It is designed to protect cash flow and resolve payment disputes quickly.

SOPA can apply to builders, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants and others involved in construction work or related goods and services under a construction contract in NSW. Whether it applies depends on the contract and the type of work involved.

A payment schedule is a mandatory response to a payment claim. It must identify the claim, state the scheduled amount (even if zero), and provide detailed reasons if the Respondent intends to pay less than what is being claimed in the payment claim. Missing deadlines (often 10 business days) results in liability for the full amount of the claim set out in the payment claim.

A payment schedule is the formal response to a payment claim under SOPA. It sets out the amount proposed to be paid and any reasons for withholding part of the claim.
Strict time limits apply. If a payment schedule is not served on time, the respondent may become liable for the full amount claimed. It is also important that the payment schedule is properly prepared, as a respondent may be prevented from later relying on reasons not included in it.

Adjudication is a rapid, independent dispute resolution process under the Security of Payment Act. An adjudicator reviews the payment claim, payment schedule (if any), and submissions from both parties, then makes a binding determination – typically within 4–6 weeks. This is significantly faster and more cost-effective than court proceedings.

Usually, the claimant is required to pay the adjudicator’s fees upfront so the determination can be released. The adjudicator will then decide, in the determination, which party is ultimately responsible for those fees.

In many cases, the party who is more successful in the adjudication will recover all or part of the adjudicator’s fees. The amount of those fees will usually depend on the size and complexity of the claim.

SOPA deadlines are strict and vary by state. In NSW, a payment schedule must be provided within 10 business days of receiving a payment claim (or by the date specified in the contract, if earlier). Missing a deadline can result in the loss of the right to dispute the claim or defend an adjudication.

Paradise Charnock Hing offers fixed-fee arrangements for Security of Payment matters, giving clients cost certainty. Fees vary depending on the complexity of the matter. Contact us for an obligation-free discussion about your specific situation.

While it is possible to prepare a payment claim without legal assistance, the strict requirements of the Security of Payment Act mean that errors in form, content, or timing can invalidate your claim entirely. Given that adjudication is fast and errors usually cannot be corrected, professional legal advice significantly improves outcomes.

Yes. Every Australian state and territory has Security of Payment legislation, although the specific Act, deadlines, and procedures differ between jurisdictions. Our lawyers have experience across all Australian jurisdictions and ensure compliance with the relevant local legislation.

If you receive a payment claim under the Security of Payment Act, you must respond with a payment schedule within the prescribed timeframe or risk the claimed amount becoming a statutory debt. Seek legal advice immediately – the deadlines are strict and the consequences of non-compliance are severe.