Tradies’ rights are at the centre of an inquiry launched this week by the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee.
The Nationals Member for Morwell Martin Cameron, Deputy Chair of the Environment and Planning Committee, said the inquiry will focus on employers and contractors who refuse to pay subcontractors for completed works.
“As a former tradie, this inquiry is very close to my heart, and our local tradies work incredibly hard,” Mr Cameron said.
“All subcontractors deserve, at the very least, to be paid in full and in a timely manner for completed works.”
The inquiry is inviting submissions from organisations who deal with non-payment of subcontractors for finished works; individuals and organisations who have experienced non-payment for completed works; and employers and subcontractors who have been involved in matters related to non-payment of subcontractors.
“This inquiry is fundamentally looking at the system we have in place for subcontractors to secure payments, but we’re also going to see what opportunities there are for improvements in the law,” Mr Cameron said.
“After the collapse of several major builders – most recently Porter Davis – subcontractors are facing substantial losses, so this inquiry has come at a time when tradies need it most.
“I encourage all subcontractors who have experienced issues with non-payment to make a submission to the inquiry.”
While the committee will work to improve the overall framework around subcontractor payments, it will not be resolving individual matters.
To make a submission to the inquiry, visit https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/submissions/
Submissions are open until the 19th of May.
