Choosing an Authorised Nominating Authority in Australia: A Tradie’s Guide

If you’re a subcontractor or tradie waiting for payment that’s overdue, you’ve probably heard the term “Authorised Nominating Authority” (ANA) thrown around. It sounds official—and it is. But choosing the right one can make the difference between a smooth adjudication process and unnecessary delays. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Authorised Nominating Authority?

An Authorised Nominating Authority is an organisation that appoints adjudicators to hear fast-track payment disputes under Australia’s Security of Payment legislation. Every state and territory has its own rules, but the concept is the same across the country.

When you lodge a payment claim and the other party doesn’t pay or disputes it, you can apply for fast-track adjudication. You’ll need to nominate an ANA to appoint an adjudicator to hear your case within days—not months. The ANA doesn’t decide who wins; it just appoints the person who will.

Different states regulate ANAs differently. In New South Wales (under the Security of Payment Act 1999), in Queensland (under the Building Industry Fairness Act 2017), in Victoria (under the Security of Payment Act 2002), and across other jurisdictions, there are approved lists of ANAs maintained by the relevant government body. You can’t just pick any organisation—it has to be on that approved list.

Where to Find Approved ANAs in Your State

Each state maintains a register of approved ANAs. Here’s the practical starting point:

1. NSW: Check the Department of Customer Service website for the current list of approved ANAs under the SOP Act 1999.
2. Queensland: The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) publishes approved ANAs under the Building Industry Fairness Act 2017.
3. Victoria: The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions maintain the register.
4. South Australia, WA, ACT, NT, Tasmania: Each has its own regulator and approved list. A quick search for “[your state] + Authorised Nominating Authority” will point you to the right place.

Don’t rely on memory or hearsay. Get the current list from the official source, because ANAs can be added, removed, or suspended.

What to Look for When Choosing an ANA

Once you’ve confirmed an ANA is on the approved list, ask yourself these practical questions:

• Experience in your industry: Do they regularly appoint adjudicators for construction disputes? Someone who handles building claims will understand your sector better than a general commercial ANA.
• Response time: Can they confirm receipt of your nomination quickly and appoint an adjudicator without unnecessary delays? The whole point of fast-track adjudication is speed—pick an ANA that respects that.
• Transparency: Can they clearly explain their fees? ANAs charge for the service (typically a few hundred dollars), and you should know the cost upfront.
• Accessibility: Do they have a straightforward online process, or do you have to navigate phone calls and emails? Self-service matters when you’re already stressed about unpaid invoices.
• Adjudicator quality: Do they employ or appoint adjudicators with construction law experience? This isn’t always publicly listed, but it’s worth asking.

You’re not locked into one ANA forever. If you need to lodge multiple claims, you can choose different ANAs if you prefer, as long as they’re on the approved list.

Keep the Legislation in Mind

Here’s the thing: the ANA’s job is administrative, not legal. They appoint the adjudicator, but they don’t judge your claim. The adjudicator does that—and they’re bound by tight statutory timeframes and legal requirements that vary by state.

In NSW, for example, the respondent (the person who owes you money) has 10 business days to file a payment schedule or response after you lodge your claim. In Queensland, it’s similar. These are hard deadlines set by law, not by the ANA. So choosing one ANA over another won’t change those timeframes—but it might affect how smoothly the process runs.

If you’re not sure about your rights or the legal requirements in your state, speak to a construction lawyer before you proceed. Fast-track adjudication moves quickly, and you want to get it right the first time. What we can help with is the practical side—preparing your claim documents and filing a payment claim in a clear, organised way so there’s nothing stopping you from getting it to your chosen ANA.

Final Word

Choosing an Authorised Nominating Authority isn’t complicated, but it’s worth doing properly. Stick to the approved list, pick one that understands construction, and don’t delay. The sooner you nominate an ANA and lodge your claim, the sooner you get a hearing. Payment disputes don’t get easier with time.

BODY_END