Owed money for work you've already done, or disputing the amount claimed?
The Security of Payment Act provides a fast way to get paid. It also has strict deadlines to respond. Call now for a free, no-obligation review of where you stand.
Why it matters
We take the fear and guesswork out of chasing unpaid work, or responding to excessive claims
Getting stiffed on a payment claim feels personal — and the Security of Payment Act moves fast, with strict deadlines that can shut your claim down if you miss them. We translate the legislation into plain English, tell you exactly where you stand, and act fast if you decide to go ahead.
- Find out whether you're still within time to act
- Understand your rights in plain English, no legal jargon
- Talk with our experienced team, not as a generalist add-on
The basics
What is a SOPA claim?
A lot of people in construction are entitled to move fast on unpaid work and don't realise it. Here's what the Security of Payment Act actually does, who it covers, and what you can get from using it.
The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) gives anyone who carries out construction work or supplies related goods and services a statutory right to be paid, separate from and faster than suing someone for breach of contract. It exists because cash flow keeps the industry moving, and it's built for speed, not lengthy litigation.
Who it covers
Electricians, plumbers, joiners and other trades owed money by a head contractor.
Materials and equipment suppliers, where they have a direct contract for the work.
Managing claims from multiple subcontractors, or claiming against a developer directly.
Responding to claims, or pursuing your own against a principal or owner.
What you can get
- Paid without going to court — a statutory alternative to litigation
- A binding decision within weeks, not the months or years courts take
- Unpaid amounts recovered as an enforceable debt if they still don't pay
Where you're at
Five ways we can help
Whichever side of a payment dispute you're on, there's a clear next step.
Payment Claims
Preparing and serving a claim that actually holds up.
Payment Schedules
Just been served a claim? Know your options before the clock runs out.
Adjudication
When they won't pay, adjudication forces the issue — fast.
Recovery & Non-Payment
Turning an adjudicated amount into money in your account.
Industry-Specific
Head contractor, subbie, or supplier — the right path for your position.
Why us
Construction payment disputes, not a side practice
By Archer Lawyers, a construction law team with real Security of Payment Act experience — every matter personally overseen by our Principal, not handed to a queue of rotating associates.
Acted for head contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in Security of Payment Act adjudications, with a very high success rate.
Every matter personally overseen — hands-on, always. No hand-off to a rotating cast of junior associates.
- Head contractors and subcontractors across commercial and eligible residential projects
- Suppliers and tradespeople pursuing payment under the Act
- Developers and principals responding to excessive claims
Common questions
SOPA claims, demystified
Do I need a lawyer to make a payment claim?
No — anyone entitled to payment under a construction contract can serve a payment claim themselves. But strict form and timing requirements apply, and getting it wrong can cost you the right to claim, so most people get it checked before it's served.
How much does it cost to find out where I stand?
Nothing. Your initial review is free and there's no obligation to go ahead. Call us or send through your details and we'll tell you plainly what your options are.
What if I've already missed a deadline?
Call us anyway. Some timeframes have limited flexibility depending on your circumstances, and there may be other avenues available even if a particular window has closed.
Does this apply to homeowners who owe me money, or only companies?
It depends. We'll confirm whether your situation is covered when you call.
What does adjudication actually achieve?
A fast, independent, binding decision on how much you're owed — enforceable like a court judgment — usually within weeks rather than the months or years a court claim can take.
Take the first step
Two ways to find out where you stand
Call us
The fastest way to find out where you stand. A free, no-obligation conversation about your situation and the timeframes that apply to it.
Call (02) 9127 6656Tell us about your claim
Prefer to start in writing? Leave your details and a short description of your situation and our team will call you back — usually the same business day.
Tell us about your claimHow it works
Getting paid, in four steps
Call, or tell us about your claim
A two-minute conversation to understand your situation and the deadlines that apply.
Free claim review
We confirm the details and your options — no cost, no obligation.
We act
Payment claim, payment schedule, or adjudication application (or response) — against the deadline.
Resolution
Recovery, and enforcement if needed.
This site relates to the Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) and is intended for construction work in New South Wales only. It is general information only and does not constitute legal advice — please seek independent legal advice before acting on anything contained in it.