Don’t Ruin Your Christmas Break – Two Key Timing Risks
As the industry winds down for Christmas, two timing issues can catch principals, contractors and subcontractors off-guard:
Contractual Notifications and Time Bars
Most contracts do not pause for the Christmas shutdown. NODs, EOT claims and other time-barred submissions may continue to run on calendar days – even while the site or project is shutdown.
Before heading off, check your contract’s timings and ensure any required claims or notices are submitted early.
Statutory Security of Payment Timings Over Christmas
Each state defines “business days” differently, which affects deadlines for payment claims, payment schedules and adjudications:
- NSW: 27–31 Dec are not business days
- QLD: 22 Dec–10 Jan are not business days
- VIC: Only public holidays are excluded — no statutory shutdown
These differences can materially shift your response deadlines. Make sure payment schedules issued before the break are accurate and ensure someone is monitoring your registered office for service of claims or adjudication applications.
A quick review of both your contractual and statutory timing obligations now can prevent a major holiday surprise later.
Wishing everyone a safe and smooth shutdown period.
To learn more about these findings, please contact the Calibrate office at info@calibrateconsulting.com.au or call +61 9188 7444.
