Guide · updated November 2026

How to make a payment claim in Queensland (BIF Act)

Queensland's Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 lets subcontractors chase progress payments fast, with strict business-day deadlines on both sides.

The rules at a glance

Act	Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld)
When you can claim	On or after each reference date: the contract date, or the last day of the month the work was done. Non-final claims can be made up to 6 months after completion. Final claims can be made up to 28 days after the defects liability period ends.
Statement to include	"This is a payment claim made under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld)."
Payment schedule	The respondent has 15 business days after receiving the claim (or less under the contract) to give a payment schedule.
Payment due	Subcontracts: payment is due no later than 25 business days after the claim. Commercial building contracts: 15 business days. Longer terms are void, and if there's no due date it's 10 business days.
Adjudication	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.
Suspending work	You can suspend work after giving at least 2 business days' written notice of your intention to suspend. Confirm against the Act before suspending.

Step by step

Make the claim on time. On or after each reference date: the contract date, or the last day of the month the work was done. Non-final claims can be made up to 6 months after completion. Final claims can be made up to 28 days after the defects liability period ends.
Include the required content. Identify the work, state the amount and request payment, and include: "This is a payment claim made under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld)."
Serve it properly and keep proof. Use the address for notices in the contract. The actual date of service decides the deadlines.
Watch for a payment schedule. The respondent has 15 business days after receiving the claim (or less under the contract) to give a payment schedule.
Act fast if you're not paid. Adjudication deadlines are short and strict. Missing one by a day can end your right to adjudicate that claim.

Sources: QBCC: Payment claims · Queensland legislation: BIF Act 2017

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 calculator

Common questions

How long does a respondent have to give a payment schedule in Queensland?

15 business days after receiving the payment claim, or less if the contract says.

What's the maximum payment term for a subcontract in Queensland?

25 business days after the claim. Longer terms are void.

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