Proposed changes to the
Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 (BCIPA) has been passed by the Queensland Parliament last week and awaits royal assent. The changes will improve the effectiveness of this legislation.
There are three key reforms, including the appointment of adjudicators by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), a reduction in the time frames for making payment claims after the project has been completed, and the introduction of a dual model for large and complex claims in excess of $750,000.
These changes will dramatically improve the payment process making it fairer for the claimant and the respondent. The new, more realistic time frames for making payment claims will assist all parties in the contractual chain.
These reforms are a win for our industry and their introduction and application to all contracts is expected in October or November 2014