Knowledge Base

Security of Payment Guides for Australian Tradies

Plain-English guides for unpaid construction invoices, Security of Payment claims, state rules and trade-specific payment issues.

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State Guides

Find Security of Payment information for QLD, NSW, VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT.

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Trade Guides

Guides for electricians, plumbers, concreters, carpenters, roofers, painters, tilers and more.

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Payment Claim Help

Learn how payment claims work, what evidence you need and when to take formal action.

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Latest Security of Payment guides

Uncategorized

The Plumber’s Guide to Recovering Unpaid Invoices Under SOP Acts

Learn how Australian tradies and subcontractors can use Security of Payment legislation to recover money owed—without waiting months for court.

6 min read · 23 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

How Electricians Use the Security of Payment Act to Get Paid in Australia (Updated)

Electricians and tradies owed money have legal rights under Australia's Security of Payment laws. Here's how to use them.

5 min read · 22 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

How to Email a Slow-Paying Builder Without Burning the Relationship

Master the art of chasing payment from builders and head contractors. Stay firm on money owed, keep the door open for future work, and know when to escalate.

5 min read · 22 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

Builder About to Liquidate? Move on Your Payment Claim Now

When a builder or head contractor looks like they're heading toward insolvency, waiting isn't an option. Here's what you need to do.

4 min read · 22 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

When the Amount Is Too Small for a Lawyer — But Too Big to Lose

You're owed AUD$5,000. A lawyer costs more. Here's how Australian tradies recover unpaid invoices without breaking the bank.

5 min read · 22 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

Debt Collectors vs Security of Payment Act: Which Gets You Paid Faster

Chasing unpaid invoices? Learn why the Security of Payment Act often works better than traditional debt collectors for tradies and subcontractors.

4 min read · 22 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

Why $79 Beats a $3,000 Construction Lawyer — Sometimes

When you're owed money on a job, a lawyer costs thousands. A Security of Payment claim costs $79. Here's when each makes sense.

5 min read · 21 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

Document Everything: The Subcontractor’s Paper Trail Survival Guide

Every text, email, and invoice matters when money's on the line. Here's how to build a bulletproof record of your work and what you're owed.

4 min read · 21 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

Subcontract Clauses That Protect You From Slow Payers

Smart contract language can stop payment delays before they start. Here's what to include in your subcontract to protect your cash flow.

5 min read · 21 May 2026 Read guide →
Uncategorized

Charging Interest on Late Payments — What’s Allowed Under Australian Law

Late payments kill cash flow. Here's what interest you can legally charge on overdue invoices under Australian construction law.

5 min read · 21 May 2026 Read guide →

Security of Payment guides by state

QLD Queensland NSW New South Wales VIC Victoria WA Western Australia SA South Australia TAS Tasmania ACT ACT NT Northern Territory

Payment claim guides by trade

Electricians Plumbers Concreters Carpenters Roofers Painters Tilers Plasterers Landscapers Bricklayers Scaffolders Glaziers

Before debt collection

PayClaim is not a debt collection agency. For unpaid construction invoices, PayClaim may help you take a formal first step by preparing and serving Security of Payment claim documents.

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