The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ), the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA) and the Air-conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) have released a joint statement in regards to payment fairness reforms passed through State Parliament.

The statement reads as follows:
The MPAQ, the NFIA and the AMCA are aware of various commentaries regarding construction payment fairness reforms that passed through State Parliament last year. Together, they represent the most significant trade subcontracting businesses in Queensland.

“In our experience, the level of consultation that the Queensland Government has undertaken in relation to the building and construction subcontractor payment fairness reform is extraordinary and unparalleled,” said Penny Cornah, Executive Director of MPAQ.

“This extensive consultation has been with both builders and trade contractors.”

All stakeholders have supported a review of the payment laws implementation, which will be led by an independent panel. This review will help ensure optimal outcomes.

“Subbies will support any amendments to the laws that improve payment fairness,” NFIA CEO, Wayne Smith stated.

Wayne also commented that although there’s a lot of commentary regarding the changes, change is always met with some hesitancy and the Associations have absolute confidence that these reforms mark a massive improvement to the building and construction industry.

“The commentary recently circulated has focused heavily upon the red tape issues. Well, red tape stands for nothing if you’ve already lost your business because the builder has dudded you out of payment for work that is fairly due to you,’’ Mr Smith said.

also stated that all parties have backed a review based on fairness, because they know that industry can all work together to get this right.

“Minister de Brenni and the Queensland Government with the support of industry are working through the changes of implementing the new laws, and we expect to see positive outcomes through the implementation,” Executive Director of the AMCA, Graham Mackrill said.

These laws take a giant leap forward in fairness. It is simple: if you enter into a contract, you should honour it.

Subbies have been subject to broken laws for over 40 years. Subbies have gone broke, lost their livelihood, their business and in some unfortunate cases even taken their lives. These reforms will assist in putting an end to this.

Queensland’s leading Specialist Trade Contractor Associations will continue to work with decision-makers throughout the implementation of the new payment laws to ensure the best possible outcome.