Guide · updated November 2026
Suspending work for non-payment: the notice
If you're not paid by the due date, Security of Payment laws let you stop work after giving written notice. Do it properly and the respondent can't claim damages for the suspension in NSW.
New South Wales
Give a written notice of intention to suspend that states it's given under the Act. You may suspend 2 business days after giving it, until 3 business days after you're paid.
Victoria
You can suspend work after giving written notice of your intention to do so (commonly 3 business days). Confirm against the Act before suspending.
Queensland
You can suspend work after giving at least 2 business days' written notice of your intention to suspend. Confirm against the Act before suspending.
What the notice should say
- That it's given under your state's Security of Payment Act
- The payment claim, amount and due date that was missed
- That you intend to suspend work if not paid within the notice period
- When suspension will start
Owed money on a job right now?
Work out every deadline free, then build a valid payment claim and the full recovery pack (reminders, suspension notice, adjudication submissions) in about 15 minutes.
Make a payment claim Free deadline calculatorMore: 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 · Applying for adjudication: a subcontractor's guide · Payment claim template: what a valid claim needs