John Murray AM appointed to review security of payments laws

The Turnbull Government has appointed Mr John Murray AM to conduct a review of security of payments laws in the building and construction industry.

Across Australia, there are significant differences in approach to security of payments laws, which impact on the level of protection afforded to subcontractors. In order to identify best practice, Mr Murray will undertake a wide-ranging review in consultation with business, governments, unions and other relevant interested parties.

The review will deliver a final report no later than 31 December 2017 and include a range of recommendations to be considered by Government.

Mr Murray became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his service to the building industry. Specialising in building-contract disputations and security of payments legislation, Mr Murray is eminently qualified to undertake this review.

The Australian Building and Construction Commission legislation includes enhanced protections for building industry subcontractors by requiring compliance with security of payments legislation.

The Government is committed to exploring further ways in which security of payments rules can be strengthened in order to ensure the building industry is fair and productive for all participants.

A copy of the Terms of Reference is attached.