Who Decides If the Builder Gets Paid?
The article argues that Australia's residential construction payment system produces poor outcomes not because of bad actors, but due to flawed structural design. Reform should target the system architecture, not individual participants.
Who decides when a builder gets paid on a residential construction job?
Builders and subcontractors across all trades are affected by progress payment disputes. A structural fix could mean faster, fairer payments on residential jobs.
Key takeaways
- Australia's residential construction payment system is described as structurally flawed, not people-driven.
- Each participant may act rationally, but the collective outcome is irrational and harmful.
- Reform should focus on changing payment system architecture, not individual behaviour.
- All trade types involved in residential builds could be affected by progress payment reform.
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