ACT REMOVES REFERENCE DATES AND CHANGES PAYMENT TERMS
Amendments to SOPA commenced on 11 March 2024, implemented by the Building and Construction Legislation Amendment Act 2023. The key changes to SOPA were:
Removal of reference dates: a claimant may now lodge a monthly claim on the last day of each calendar month, or an earlier day in the calendar month as provided in the contract. This change mirrors NSW legislation.
New payment terms: previously the due date for the payment was 10 business days after a payment claim or the date specified by the construction contract. Now provides the due date for payment is the earlier of the following:
15 business days after a payment claim is given by a claimant; or
the day when the payment becomes payable under the construction contract.