We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. Learn more here.Close Me
A particular focus of the inquiry will be the
consequences of such insolvencies for sub-contractors.
In the wake of a recent spate of contractors becoming insolvent,
the NSW Government has announced an inquiry into insolvency in the
construction industry and is seeking submissions from interested
parties. Submissions to the inquiry are due by 14 September
2012.
Over recent months a number of prominent contractors, including
Kell & Rigby, St Hilliers Construction Pty Ltd, Hastie Group
Limited and Reed Constructions Australia Pty Ltd, have been placed
in administration. This trend has led to concerns about the broader
impact of such insolvencies in the construction industry on the
development of infrastructure and projects in NSW.
Protection of subcontractors
A particular focus of the inquiry will be the consequences of
such insolvencies for sub-contractors which, in many cases, are
left unpaid in the position of unsecured creditors. In announcing
the inquiry,
Minister for Finance and Services Greg Pearce noted that
"[b]etween 2009 and 2011, hundreds of companies in NSW
collapsed owing billions of dollars, slamming the brakes on vital
projects and investment... [u]p to 24,000 unsecured creditors,
including suppliers and sub-contractors, have been left
out-of-pocket, some by millions of dollars".
In light of the increasing incidence of contractor insolvency in
recent times, the present inquiry provides an opportunity to
undertake a comprehensive review of ways in which subcontractors
might be protected against insolvency higher up the contracting
chain.
Terms of reference
The tasks to be undertaken by the inquiry as set out in its
terms of reference include:
assessing the extent and cause of insolvency in the
construction industry;
considering payment practices affecting sub-contractors,
existing protections for subcontractors and the impacts of
insolvency on sub-contractors; and
considering legislative or other policy responses that can be
taken to minimise the incidence and impact of insolvency in the
industry, including:
options for improving the priority given to unsecured creditors
where the debt results from a sub-contracting relationship;
opportunities to simplify debt collection processes;
strategies to improve financial management skills in the
industry;
a mandatory insurance scheme to secure payments to
sub-contractors;
a discretionary mutual fund to compensate contractors from
losses arising from insolvency of a lead contractor or
principal;
the effectiveness of trust arrangements in protecting
sub-contractor payments retained by a lead contractor or principal;
and
mechanisms to ensure appropriate and effective financial
disclosure between contracting parties, including disclosing
payment of sub-contractors.
Clayton Utz communications are intended to provide
commentary and general information. They should not be relied upon
as legal advice. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular
transactions or on matters of interest arising from this bulletin.
Persons listed may not be admitted in all states and
territories.
To print this article, all you need is to be registered on Mondaq.com.
Click to Login as an existing user or Register so you can print this article.
