Contractor payments

Transport for NSW is committed to improving the management of major construction projects and fostering strong relationships at all levels.

Steps are in place to ensure greater transparency of contractor compliance with payment obligations down the contracting and supply chain. New contractual arrangements, effective on most major contracts issued from 1 May 2017, provide Transport for NSW with the ability to direct head contractors to provide proof of payments due and payable to their subcontractors and suppliers.

This change means that Transport for NSW can intervene where it has concerns subcontractors or suppliers are not being paid. It may, in certain circumstances, allow Transport for NSW to pay subcontractors and suppliers directly and offset those amounts from future payments owing to the head-contractor.

If you are experiencing issues with payment

  1. Contact your contractor representative as early as possible to discuss the issue both in person and in writing
  2. Consider your rights under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act, 1999. See our Subcontractor payment fact sheet (PDF, 123.13 KB) or the Fair Trading website for more information
  3. Read the NSW Government Free advice for contractors leaflet (PDF, 655.46 KB)or contact the NSW Small Business Commissioner's Office, or
  4. Escalate your issue to Transport for NSW, by contacting us on 13 22 13 (during business hours) and asking for the Director Commercial Services.

These initiatives by Transport for NSW align to the NSW Government Action Plan which is a commitment to supporting and working with the construction sector during this period of unprecedented infrastructure delivery across the state.