Guide · updated November 2026

Applying for adjudication: a subcontractor's guide

Adjudication is a fast decision by an independent adjudicator, usually within weeks rather than the months or years court takes. Apply through an authorised nominating authority.

Deadlines

New South Wales

Disputed schedule: 10 business days after you receive it. Scheduled amount unpaid: 20 business days after the due date. With no schedule and no payment by the due date, you can sue for the claimed amount as a debt, or apply for adjudication. Apply within about 10 business days after the schedule was due (check the Act, s 17).

Victoria

Disputed schedule: 10 business days after you receive it. Scheduled amount unpaid: 10 business days after the due date. With no schedule, you must first give the respondent written notice of your intention to apply for adjudication, which gives them a short final chance to respond, before you apply. Check the Act and your nominating authority for the exact steps.

Queensland

Disputed schedule: 30 business days after you receive it. Scheduled amount unpaid: 20 business days after the due date. With no schedule and no payment, apply for adjudication within 30 business days after the later of the due date or the last day for the schedule. You can also recover the debt through the courts.

What wins adjudications

• A clear chronology with dates and evidence tabs
• The contract and its payment and notice clauses
• Proof of service of the claim
• Evidence that the work was done: diaries, photos, timesheets
• Variation approvals in writing
• A point-by-point answer to every reason in the payment schedule

More: How to make a payment claim in NSW · Victoria's 2026 Security of Payment reforms: what changed for payment claims · How to make a payment claim in Queensland (BIF Act) · Builder won't pay? The 5-step playbook for subcontractors · Payment schedule deadline calculator · Suspending work for non-payment: the notice · Payment claim template: what a valid claim needs