Glaziers and the Security of Payment Act — What You Need to Know

If you’re a glazier working as a subcontractor on construction sites across Australia, you’ve probably had that sinking feeling: the invoice is due, the job is done, but the money hasn’t landed. Maybe it’s two weeks overdue. Maybe it’s two months.

The good news is you’re not powerless. Australia’s Security of Payment legislation exists precisely to help tradies like you get paid faster—without needing to sue or wait months for court hearings. But most glaziers don’t know the laws exist, let alone how to use them.

Here’s what you actually need to know.

What Is the Security of Payment Act, and Why Does It Matter to You?

Every Australian state and territory has its own Security of Payment Act (or equivalent legislation). In New South Wales, it’s the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999. Queensland has the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017. Victoria has the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002. Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT all have their own versions.

The core idea is the same everywhere: if you’re a glazier, subcontractor, or tradesperson who’s done work on a construction project and haven’t been paid, these laws give you a fast, structured way to claim that money.

Unlike taking someone to court—which can take years and cost thousands—the Security of Payment system uses a process called adjudication. An independent adjudicator looks at your claim and the other party’s response, then makes a binding decision in a matter of weeks, not years.

The head contractor or builder might disagree with the decision. They can appeal it later, but in the meantime, you’ve got a determination in your favour that they’re legally required to pay.

Who Can Make a Claim, and What Work Qualifies?

If you’re a glazier—whether you’re a sole trader, a small glazing business, or a subcontractor—you almost certainly qualify. The Security of Payment Acts cover anyone who does construction work, and glazing work (windows, doors, glass installations, tinting, repairs) is clearly construction work.

Here’s what typically qualifies:

• Supply and installation of windows, doors, and glass panels
• Glazing repairs and maintenance
• Frameless glass systems and splashbacks
• Commercial and residential glazing work
• Materials supplied as part of your contract

The work has to be on a construction project—so a new build, a renovation, a commercial fit-out, or a significant alteration. A one-off repair in someone’s home might not qualify, depending on your state, but most glazing work on properties is covered.

The key is: did you have a contractual arrangement with the person or company who owes you money? Did you do the work? Is it construction-related? If yes to all three, you likely have a claim.

How the Security of Payment Process Actually Works

Here’s the practical sequence:

1. You issue a payment claim. This is a formal notice that sets out what work you’ve done, the amount owed, and when it’s due. It has to follow the rules in your state’s legislation.
2. The other party (the head contractor, builder, or whoever owes you) receives it. They then have a fixed period—usually 10 business days in most states—to issue a payment schedule explaining what they will pay, what they won’t, and why.
3. If they don’t pay by the due date, or if you disagree with their payment schedule, you can apply for adjudication. This is where an independent third party reviews both sides and makes a decision.
4. The adjudicator issues a determination. This is binding (unless it’s later overturned in court, which is rare and expensive for them to attempt).
5. They’re legally required to pay the adjudicated amount. If they don’t, you have enforcement options.

The whole process from claim to determination usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the state and the complexity of the dispute. Compare that to court, where you might wait 18 months or more.

Getting Your Claim Right from the Start

The most common reason glaziers’ claims get knocked back or delayed is poor documentation. You need:

• Clear evidence of your contract (email, quote, signed agreement, or even a clear email exchange confirming the scope and price)
• A detailed invoice or claim listing work completed, materials supplied, and dates
• Proof the work was actually done (photos, site records, emails from the contractor acknowledging completion)
• Clear timeline: when was it due? When is it now overdue?

Your payment claim has to be formally served on the right person, at the right address, in the right way. The rules vary by state. In NSW, for example, the claim must be in writing and reference the legislation. In Queensland, it’s stricter still.

This is where most tradies slip up. One small procedural mistake—serving the wrong person, wrong address, or wrong format—can invalidate the whole claim.

If you want to be confident you’ve got it right, you can file a payment claim through PayClaim, which automates the process to your state’s rules for a flat fee of AUD $79. Otherwise, you’re doing it yourself or paying a lawyer hundreds of dollars.

What Happens If They Still Don’t Pay?

Once you have an adjudication determination, the law is on your side. If the debtor refuses to pay, you can:

• Take enforcement action through the courts (relatively straightforward, since you have a binding determination)
• Report them to relevant industry bodies or regulators
• Lodge a claim against their security of payment bond (if one exists)

Many debtors choose to pay or settle rather than face the costs and reputational damage of ignoring an adjudicator’s decision. But it’s not automatic. You may still need to chase payment after the determination is made.

Get Onto It

If you’re a glazier owed money for work completed, and it’s been 30+ days overdue, you have a statutory right to claim it through your state’s Security of Payment system. Waiting longer, or hoping they’ll eventually pay, is a choice—but it’s not your only option.

Check your state’s legislation, gather your evidence, and consider whether a formal payment claim makes sense. The process is designed for people like you, and it works.