CJM Lawyers Introduce Ruth Jeffers
Ocean Road Magazine | Editorial by: Suzzanne Simonot | Photography by: Brian Usher
Gold Coast and Tweed Shire legal firm Cronin James McLaughlin Lawyers (CJM Lawyers) has welcomed Senior Associate Ruth Jeffers to the team at its Tweed Heads office in northern NSW.
Ruth joins CJM’s highly experienced and accomplished team of solicitors and conveyancers who strive to provide clients with the most professional level of service on everything from Family Law and power of attorney to debt recovery, retail and commercial leases, conveyancing, wills and estates, insolvency and bankruptcy, employment and contract law, banking and finance.
CJM Lawyers know that having professional advice to help protect your best interests is only the beginning when it comes to Family Law.
As an Accredited Practitioner in Family Law and a Senior Associate at the firm, Ruth brings extensive experience in matters involving children and parenting disputes, property settlements, separation and divorce, de facto and same-sex relationships, mediation, and family violence.
“I really like the human element of Family Law,” she says.
A former teacher, Ruth understands that her clients are often experiencing a very challenging and distressing period of their lives when they seek legal advice and assistance and provides them with support and straightforward advice every step of the way.
“Because Family Law is such a personal area of law, what’s a good fit for one client may not be the right fit for the other,” Ruth says.
“We hear the most sensitive information about clients’ lives. You become a confidante.”
When it comes to Family Law, Ruth says having a lawyer who has a comprehensive understanding of the process, your entitlements and the required level of support is imperative to attaining a successful outcome.
Ruth works with clients to decide the best course of action based on their individual circumstances and to alleviate stress and apprehension during what is already an emotionally challenging time.
Ruth quickly develops a comprehensive insight into her client’s individual needs and is committed to resolving her client’s Family Law matter at the earliest opportunity.
“It’s definitely my approach to try and resolve disputes,” she says.
“A conciliatory approach is my preference where possible . . . to try and calm things down rather than inflame things.
“Obviously you have to be a strong advocate for your client, whether things are amicable or not, but if possible, we’re not trying to blow things out. We’re trying to resolve things amicably so the client can get on with their lives.”
Where litigation is necessary, Ruth is a highly experienced and confident advocate who guides her clients through the Court process one step at a time.
“Families who have to be involved with the Family Court system are generally in a state of crisis and for them to get to that stage, where they need a judicial determination of their arrangements for their children or property as well, they’re there because nothing else has worked for them,” Ruth says.
“I don’t think anybody races into the Family Law Court system if they don’t absolutely have to.”
Born and bred in Victoria, Ruth lived and worked near Geelong, on the Surf Coast, and in the NSW coastal town of Port Macquarie before joining CJM and settling on the Tweed Coast in August 2020.
Admitted to practice in 2006, Ruth has focused exclusively on Family Law since 2007. She obtained accreditation in Family Law in 2011 and is also a highly experienced Independent Children’s Lawyer.
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from Monash University, a Bachelor of Teaching (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne.
“I’ve worked for Legal Aid in NSW and I’ve worked for Legal Aid in Victoria and I’ve also worked in private practice in Victoria and now private practice again here, which crosses NSW and Queensland, where many of our clients are,” she says.
CJM Lawyers’ Tweed Shire office employs solicitors and conveyancers locals know and trust, including long-term members of the Tweed area, all of whom share a strong community focus.
In her spare time, Ruth enjoys beach walks with her two Staffordshire Terriers, wandering through local markets and sipping champagne at the races.
“I live and work here,” she says. “This is my community. I’m thrilled to be working in this community.”
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Our Latest Story
By Nagisa Kumagai
•
10 February 2026
Preparing a Contract for Sale of Land in NSW is a critical step in any property transaction. For vendors, the contract sets the legal framework for the sale and defines the rights and obligations once contracts are exchanged. Errors or omissions at this stage can expose a vendor to issues such as delays and disputes. In NSW, a property cannot be marketed for sale without a draft Contract for Sale. The contract must include prescribed documents, also known as vendor disclosure documents. These include: a current title search; a plan of the land; relevant dealings affecting the land; a Council Planning (section 10.7) Certificate; and a sewerage diagram. Depending on the property, additional documents may be required, such as strata records, pool compliance or non-compliance certificate or notices affecting use or development. The consequences of missing disclosure documents can be significant. A purchaser may have a statutory right to rescind the contract within 14 days after exchange if certain prescribed documents are not included, which can result in a sale being terminated even where price and key terms have been agreed. It is also important that proper special conditions are drafted. These can address things such as potential property issues, manage tenancy arrangements and tailor settlement terms. Poorly drafted or missing conditions often lead to disputes, which can cause delays in settlement, prompt renegotiation or allow the purchaser to rescind the contract. Timing is also important. Preparing the contract early allows potential issues to be identified before a property is listed. This reduces pressure during negotiations and helps avoid last minute amendments that can unsettle a transaction or lead to a purchaser withdrawing. CJM Lawyers assists vendors across NSW with the preparation of Contracts for Sale of Land, ensuring that disclosure obligations are met and that the contract accurately reflects the property and the vendor’s position. We provide practical advice on risk management, special conditions and settlement planning. A well prepared contract is the foundation of a smooth property sale. Early legal advice can reduce risk, protect value and support a timely settlement. If you would like advice on preparing a Contract for Sale, contact the CJM Lawyers NSW property team.
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You’ve served your payment schedule disputing a construction payment claim. Now the claimant has applied for adjudication. What happens next? Many respondents enter the adjudication process unprepared, not realising how quickly decisions are made or how binding they are. Understanding the adjudication process under Queensland’s Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 and NSW’s Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 is critical to protecting your interests. What Is Adjudication? Adjudication is a fast-track dispute resolution process designed to provide interim cash flow relief while preserving parties’ rights to pursue final resolution through court or arbitration. An independent adjudicator reviews the payment claim, payment schedule, and supporting materials, then makes a binding determination on how much must be paid. The key word is interim. The adjudicator’s decision determines payment obligations temporarily, not permanently. However, most disputes end at adjudication – the cost and delay of further litigation means parties often accept the determination as final. The Timeline: Speed Is Everything Adjudication moves fast. Once an application is made: Queensland : You typically have 10 business days to file your adjudication response. The adjudicator then has 15 business days to make a determination (extendable to 20 days with consent). New South Wales: You have 5 business days to file your response (extendable to 10 days with claimant consent). The adjudicator has 10 business days to decide (extendable to 15 days). These timeframes are strictly enforced. Late submissions may be rejected entirely, leaving you unable to present your case. What goes into an Adjudication Response? Your adjudication response is your opportunity to defend your position. It must be comprehensive because you’re limited to the reasons you included in your payment schedule – no new arguments are permitted. A strong response typically includes: Detailed submissions: Explaining why the scheduled amount is correct, addressing each element of the claim Supporting evidence: Contracts, correspondence, site records, photographs, expert reports, invoices Legal analysis: Interpretation of contract terms, legislative requirements, and relevant case law Technical challenges: Jurisdictional objections, validity issues with the claim or adjudication application This is not a simple letter. Adjudication responses regularly run 30–50 pages with extensive annexures. The adjudicator will be reviewing both parties’ submissions simultaneously, so clarity and organisation matter. The Adjudicator’s Decision The adjudicator will issue a written determination setting out their decision and reasons. They can: Uphold the claimed amount in full Accept your scheduled amount Determine a different amount between the two In both Queensland and NSW, you must pay the adjudicated amount within 5 business days (or as specified in the determination). Failure to pay can result in the claimant suspending work or, more seriously, obtaining a judgment for the debt and pursuing enforcement action against your company. Can You Challenge the Decision? Yes, but the grounds are narrow. You can apply to court to set aside an adjudication determination for: Jurisdictional error: The adjudicator made a decision they had no power to make Denial of natural justice: You weren’t given a fair opportunity to present your case Generally, you cannot challenge the adjudicator’s decision simply because you disagree with their assessment of the facts or law. The threshold for setting aside a determination is high. Importantly, you must still pay the adjudicated amount even while challenging the determination. The principle is “pay now, argue later.” The Importance of Early Preparation The adjudication timeframes are tight. Once you serve a payment schedule disputing a claim, you should assume adjudication is coming and start preparing immediately: Waiting until the adjudication application arrives leaves you scrambling. In NSW, with only 5 business days to respond, delay can be fatal to your case. Get Legal Guidance Adjudication is a high-pressure, time-critical process that requires immediate action and strategic thinking. Whether you’re facing an adjudication application or considering applying for one yourself, experienced legal advice makes the difference between success and failure. CJM Lawyers’ litigation and dispute resolution team regularly represents clients in security of payment adjudications across Queensland and NSW. We understand what adjudicators look for, how to present your case effectively, and how to protect your interests under tight deadlines. Don’t navigate adjudication alone – contact CJM Lawyers today. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every adjudication is unique and requires specific legal advice tailored to your circumstances. Contact CJM Lawyers promptly if you are involved in a security of payment dispute.
By Kale Venz
•
3 February 2026
A payment claim arrives from your contractor demanding payment. Your instinct might be to set it aside while you check the details. That delay could be the most expensive mistake you make. Under Queensland’s Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 and NSW’s Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999, you could become legally obligated to pay the full amount – even if you dispute the work – simply by failing to respond on time. What Is a Payment Claim? A payment claim is a formal written demand for payment under a construction contract. It doesn’t need to be labelled “payment claim” – an invoice or progress claim identifying the work and amount will often suffice. These claims are designed to keep cash flowing through construction projects, giving claimants a fast-track recovery process. The Danger of Doing Nothing If you don’t respond by serving a payment schedule within the prescribed timeframe, you are deemed to have admitted the claim. This means you become liable to pay the full amount – even if the work was defective or never performed. The claimant can take immediate debt recovery action, and you lose your right to dispute through adjudication. The Timeframes Are Tight Unless your contract provides otherwise, the timeframes are tight and are usually: Queensland: 15 business days from receiving the payment claim to serve a payment schedule. New South Wales: 10 business days from receiving the payment claim to serve a payment schedule. These are strict deadlines with limited discretion for extensions. The consequences of missing them are severe. What Is a Payment Schedule? A payment schedule is your formal response to the claim. It must identify the claim, state the amount you propose to pay (which can be zero), and provide reasons if you’re paying less than claimed. What Happens Next? After serving a payment schedule, the claimant can either accept your scheduled amount or apply for adjudication – a rapid process (typically 10–15 business days) where an independent adjudicator reviews the dispute. The adjudicator’s decision is binding, meaning you must pay the adjudicated amount even if you plan to challenge it later in court. Why You Need Legal Advice Now Time is not on your side. Getting legal advice immediately is essential to: Assess validity: Not every claim is valid under the legislation. A lawyer can identify defences quickly. Prepare a payment schedule: An invalid payment schedule leaves you exposed as if you hadn’t responded at all. Don’t Let the Clock Run Out Security of payment legislation protects cash flow in the construction industry, but it places significant responsibility on you to respond quickly and correctly. The penalty for getting it wrong is severe. Our experienced litigation team regularly assists clients with security of payment disputes across Queensland and NSW. We can review your claim, prepare a compliant payment schedule, gather evidence, and represent you in adjudication if required. Don’t face this alone – contact CJM Lawyers today. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Security of payment legislation is complex and fact-specific. It is essential to seek specific professional legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances as soon as you receive a payment claim.
Our Latest Story
By Nagisa Kumagai
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10 February 2026
Preparing a Contract for Sale of Land in NSW is a critical step in any property transaction. For vendors, the contract sets the legal framework for the sale and defines the rights and obligations once contracts are exchanged. Errors or omissions at this stage can expose a vendor to issues such as delays and disputes. In NSW, a property cannot be marketed for sale without a draft Contract for Sale. The contract must include prescribed documents, also known as vendor disclosure documents. These include: a current title search; a plan of the land; relevant dealings affecting the land; a Council Planning (section 10.7) Certificate; and a sewerage diagram. Depending on the property, additional documents may be required, such as strata records, pool compliance or non-compliance certificate or notices affecting use or development. The consequences of missing disclosure documents can be significant. A purchaser may have a statutory right to rescind the contract within 14 days after exchange if certain prescribed documents are not included, which can result in a sale being terminated even where price and key terms have been agreed. It is also important that proper special conditions are drafted. These can address things such as potential property issues, manage tenancy arrangements and tailor settlement terms. Poorly drafted or missing conditions often lead to disputes, which can cause delays in settlement, prompt renegotiation or allow the purchaser to rescind the contract. Timing is also important. Preparing the contract early allows potential issues to be identified before a property is listed. This reduces pressure during negotiations and helps avoid last minute amendments that can unsettle a transaction or lead to a purchaser withdrawing. CJM Lawyers assists vendors across NSW with the preparation of Contracts for Sale of Land, ensuring that disclosure obligations are met and that the contract accurately reflects the property and the vendor’s position. We provide practical advice on risk management, special conditions and settlement planning. A well prepared contract is the foundation of a smooth property sale. Early legal advice can reduce risk, protect value and support a timely settlement. If you would like advice on preparing a Contract for Sale, contact the CJM Lawyers NSW property team.
By Kale Venz
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3 February 2026
You’ve served your payment schedule disputing a construction payment claim. Now the claimant has applied for adjudication. What happens next? Many respondents enter the adjudication process unprepared, not realising how quickly decisions are made or how binding they are. Understanding the adjudication process under Queensland’s Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 and NSW’s Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 is critical to protecting your interests. What Is Adjudication? Adjudication is a fast-track dispute resolution process designed to provide interim cash flow relief while preserving parties’ rights to pursue final resolution through court or arbitration. An independent adjudicator reviews the payment claim, payment schedule, and supporting materials, then makes a binding determination on how much must be paid. The key word is interim. The adjudicator’s decision determines payment obligations temporarily, not permanently. However, most disputes end at adjudication – the cost and delay of further litigation means parties often accept the determination as final. The Timeline: Speed Is Everything Adjudication moves fast. Once an application is made: Queensland : You typically have 10 business days to file your adjudication response. The adjudicator then has 15 business days to make a determination (extendable to 20 days with consent). New South Wales: You have 5 business days to file your response (extendable to 10 days with claimant consent). The adjudicator has 10 business days to decide (extendable to 15 days). These timeframes are strictly enforced. Late submissions may be rejected entirely, leaving you unable to present your case. What goes into an Adjudication Response? Your adjudication response is your opportunity to defend your position. It must be comprehensive because you’re limited to the reasons you included in your payment schedule – no new arguments are permitted. A strong response typically includes: Detailed submissions: Explaining why the scheduled amount is correct, addressing each element of the claim Supporting evidence: Contracts, correspondence, site records, photographs, expert reports, invoices Legal analysis: Interpretation of contract terms, legislative requirements, and relevant case law Technical challenges: Jurisdictional objections, validity issues with the claim or adjudication application This is not a simple letter. Adjudication responses regularly run 30–50 pages with extensive annexures. The adjudicator will be reviewing both parties’ submissions simultaneously, so clarity and organisation matter. The Adjudicator’s Decision The adjudicator will issue a written determination setting out their decision and reasons. They can: Uphold the claimed amount in full Accept your scheduled amount Determine a different amount between the two In both Queensland and NSW, you must pay the adjudicated amount within 5 business days (or as specified in the determination). Failure to pay can result in the claimant suspending work or, more seriously, obtaining a judgment for the debt and pursuing enforcement action against your company. Can You Challenge the Decision? Yes, but the grounds are narrow. You can apply to court to set aside an adjudication determination for: Jurisdictional error: The adjudicator made a decision they had no power to make Denial of natural justice: You weren’t given a fair opportunity to present your case Generally, you cannot challenge the adjudicator’s decision simply because you disagree with their assessment of the facts or law. The threshold for setting aside a determination is high. Importantly, you must still pay the adjudicated amount even while challenging the determination. The principle is “pay now, argue later.” The Importance of Early Preparation The adjudication timeframes are tight. Once you serve a payment schedule disputing a claim, you should assume adjudication is coming and start preparing immediately: Waiting until the adjudication application arrives leaves you scrambling. In NSW, with only 5 business days to respond, delay can be fatal to your case. Get Legal Guidance Adjudication is a high-pressure, time-critical process that requires immediate action and strategic thinking. Whether you’re facing an adjudication application or considering applying for one yourself, experienced legal advice makes the difference between success and failure. CJM Lawyers’ litigation and dispute resolution team regularly represents clients in security of payment adjudications across Queensland and NSW. We understand what adjudicators look for, how to present your case effectively, and how to protect your interests under tight deadlines. Don’t navigate adjudication alone – contact CJM Lawyers today. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every adjudication is unique and requires specific legal advice tailored to your circumstances. Contact CJM Lawyers promptly if you are involved in a security of payment dispute.
By Kale Venz
•
3 February 2026
A payment claim arrives from your contractor demanding payment. Your instinct might be to set it aside while you check the details. That delay could be the most expensive mistake you make. Under Queensland’s Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 and NSW’s Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999, you could become legally obligated to pay the full amount – even if you dispute the work – simply by failing to respond on time. What Is a Payment Claim? A payment claim is a formal written demand for payment under a construction contract. It doesn’t need to be labelled “payment claim” – an invoice or progress claim identifying the work and amount will often suffice. These claims are designed to keep cash flowing through construction projects, giving claimants a fast-track recovery process. The Danger of Doing Nothing If you don’t respond by serving a payment schedule within the prescribed timeframe, you are deemed to have admitted the claim. This means you become liable to pay the full amount – even if the work was defective or never performed. The claimant can take immediate debt recovery action, and you lose your right to dispute through adjudication. The Timeframes Are Tight Unless your contract provides otherwise, the timeframes are tight and are usually: Queensland: 15 business days from receiving the payment claim to serve a payment schedule. New South Wales: 10 business days from receiving the payment claim to serve a payment schedule. These are strict deadlines with limited discretion for extensions. The consequences of missing them are severe. What Is a Payment Schedule? A payment schedule is your formal response to the claim. It must identify the claim, state the amount you propose to pay (which can be zero), and provide reasons if you’re paying less than claimed. What Happens Next? After serving a payment schedule, the claimant can either accept your scheduled amount or apply for adjudication – a rapid process (typically 10–15 business days) where an independent adjudicator reviews the dispute. The adjudicator’s decision is binding, meaning you must pay the adjudicated amount even if you plan to challenge it later in court. Why You Need Legal Advice Now Time is not on your side. Getting legal advice immediately is essential to: Assess validity: Not every claim is valid under the legislation. A lawyer can identify defences quickly. Prepare a payment schedule: An invalid payment schedule leaves you exposed as if you hadn’t responded at all. Don’t Let the Clock Run Out Security of payment legislation protects cash flow in the construction industry, but it places significant responsibility on you to respond quickly and correctly. The penalty for getting it wrong is severe. Our experienced litigation team regularly assists clients with security of payment disputes across Queensland and NSW. We can review your claim, prepare a compliant payment schedule, gather evidence, and represent you in adjudication if required. Don’t face this alone – contact CJM Lawyers today. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Security of payment legislation is complex and fact-specific. It is essential to seek specific professional legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances as soon as you receive a payment claim.
Our Latest Story
By Nagisa Kumagai
•
10 February 2026
Preparing a Contract for Sale of Land in NSW is a critical step in any property transaction. For vendors, the contract sets the legal framework for the sale and defines the rights and obligations once contracts are exchanged. Errors or omissions at this stage can expose a vendor to issues such as delays and disputes. In NSW, a property cannot be marketed for sale without a draft Contract for Sale. The contract must include prescribed documents, also known as vendor disclosure documents. These include: a current title search; a plan of the land; relevant dealings affecting the land; a Council Planning (section 10.7) Certificate; and a sewerage diagram. Depending on the property, additional documents may be required, such as strata records, pool compliance or non-compliance certificate or notices affecting use or development. The consequences of missing disclosure documents can be significant. A purchaser may have a statutory right to rescind the contract within 14 days after exchange if certain prescribed documents are not included, which can result in a sale being terminated even where price and key terms have been agreed. It is also important that proper special conditions are drafted. These can address things such as potential property issues, manage tenancy arrangements and tailor settlement terms. Poorly drafted or missing conditions often lead to disputes, which can cause delays in settlement, prompt renegotiation or allow the purchaser to rescind the contract. Timing is also important. Preparing the contract early allows potential issues to be identified before a property is listed. This reduces pressure during negotiations and helps avoid last minute amendments that can unsettle a transaction or lead to a purchaser withdrawing. CJM Lawyers assists vendors across NSW with the preparation of Contracts for Sale of Land, ensuring that disclosure obligations are met and that the contract accurately reflects the property and the vendor’s position. We provide practical advice on risk management, special conditions and settlement planning. A well prepared contract is the foundation of a smooth property sale. Early legal advice can reduce risk, protect value and support a timely settlement. If you would like advice on preparing a Contract for Sale, contact the CJM Lawyers NSW property team.
By Kale Venz
•
3 February 2026
You’ve served your payment schedule disputing a construction payment claim. Now the claimant has applied for adjudication. What happens next? Many respondents enter the adjudication process unprepared, not realising how quickly decisions are made or how binding they are. Understanding the adjudication process under Queensland’s Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 and NSW’s Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 is critical to protecting your interests. What Is Adjudication? Adjudication is a fast-track dispute resolution process designed to provide interim cash flow relief while preserving parties’ rights to pursue final resolution through court or arbitration. An independent adjudicator reviews the payment claim, payment schedule, and supporting materials, then makes a binding determination on how much must be paid. The key word is interim. The adjudicator’s decision determines payment obligations temporarily, not permanently. However, most disputes end at adjudication – the cost and delay of further litigation means parties often accept the determination as final. The Timeline: Speed Is Everything Adjudication moves fast. Once an application is made: Queensland : You typically have 10 business days to file your adjudication response. The adjudicator then has 15 business days to make a determination (extendable to 20 days with consent). New South Wales: You have 5 business days to file your response (extendable to 10 days with claimant consent). The adjudicator has 10 business days to decide (extendable to 15 days). These timeframes are strictly enforced. Late submissions may be rejected entirely, leaving you unable to present your case. What goes into an Adjudication Response? Your adjudication response is your opportunity to defend your position. It must be comprehensive because you’re limited to the reasons you included in your payment schedule – no new arguments are permitted. A strong response typically includes: Detailed submissions: Explaining why the scheduled amount is correct, addressing each element of the claim Supporting evidence: Contracts, correspondence, site records, photographs, expert reports, invoices Legal analysis: Interpretation of contract terms, legislative requirements, and relevant case law Technical challenges: Jurisdictional objections, validity issues with the claim or adjudication application This is not a simple letter. Adjudication responses regularly run 30–50 pages with extensive annexures. The adjudicator will be reviewing both parties’ submissions simultaneously, so clarity and organisation matter. The Adjudicator’s Decision The adjudicator will issue a written determination setting out their decision and reasons. They can: Uphold the claimed amount in full Accept your scheduled amount Determine a different amount between the two In both Queensland and NSW, you must pay the adjudicated amount within 5 business days (or as specified in the determination). Failure to pay can result in the claimant suspending work or, more seriously, obtaining a judgment for the debt and pursuing enforcement action against your company. Can You Challenge the Decision? Yes, but the grounds are narrow. You can apply to court to set aside an adjudication determination for: Jurisdictional error: The adjudicator made a decision they had no power to make Denial of natural justice: You weren’t given a fair opportunity to present your case Generally, you cannot challenge the adjudicator’s decision simply because you disagree with their assessment of the facts or law. The threshold for setting aside a determination is high. Importantly, you must still pay the adjudicated amount even while challenging the determination. The principle is “pay now, argue later.” The Importance of Early Preparation The adjudication timeframes are tight. Once you serve a payment schedule disputing a claim, you should assume adjudication is coming and start preparing immediately: Waiting until the adjudication application arrives leaves you scrambling. In NSW, with only 5 business days to respond, delay can be fatal to your case. Get Legal Guidance Adjudication is a high-pressure, time-critical process that requires immediate action and strategic thinking. Whether you’re facing an adjudication application or considering applying for one yourself, experienced legal advice makes the difference between success and failure. CJM Lawyers’ litigation and dispute resolution team regularly represents clients in security of payment adjudications across Queensland and NSW. We understand what adjudicators look for, how to present your case effectively, and how to protect your interests under tight deadlines. Don’t navigate adjudication alone – contact CJM Lawyers today. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every adjudication is unique and requires specific legal advice tailored to your circumstances. Contact CJM Lawyers promptly if you are involved in a security of payment dispute.
By Kale Venz
•
3 February 2026
A payment claim arrives from your contractor demanding payment. Your instinct might be to set it aside while you check the details. That delay could be the most expensive mistake you make. Under Queensland’s Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 and NSW’s Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999, you could become legally obligated to pay the full amount – even if you dispute the work – simply by failing to respond on time. What Is a Payment Claim? A payment claim is a formal written demand for payment under a construction contract. It doesn’t need to be labelled “payment claim” – an invoice or progress claim identifying the work and amount will often suffice. These claims are designed to keep cash flowing through construction projects, giving claimants a fast-track recovery process. The Danger of Doing Nothing If you don’t respond by serving a payment schedule within the prescribed timeframe, you are deemed to have admitted the claim. This means you become liable to pay the full amount – even if the work was defective or never performed. The claimant can take immediate debt recovery action, and you lose your right to dispute through adjudication. The Timeframes Are Tight Unless your contract provides otherwise, the timeframes are tight and are usually: Queensland: 15 business days from receiving the payment claim to serve a payment schedule. New South Wales: 10 business days from receiving the payment claim to serve a payment schedule. These are strict deadlines with limited discretion for extensions. The consequences of missing them are severe. What Is a Payment Schedule? A payment schedule is your formal response to the claim. It must identify the claim, state the amount you propose to pay (which can be zero), and provide reasons if you’re paying less than claimed. What Happens Next? After serving a payment schedule, the claimant can either accept your scheduled amount or apply for adjudication – a rapid process (typically 10–15 business days) where an independent adjudicator reviews the dispute. The adjudicator’s decision is binding, meaning you must pay the adjudicated amount even if you plan to challenge it later in court. Why You Need Legal Advice Now Time is not on your side. Getting legal advice immediately is essential to: Assess validity: Not every claim is valid under the legislation. A lawyer can identify defences quickly. Prepare a payment schedule: An invalid payment schedule leaves you exposed as if you hadn’t responded at all. Don’t Let the Clock Run Out Security of payment legislation protects cash flow in the construction industry, but it places significant responsibility on you to respond quickly and correctly. The penalty for getting it wrong is severe. Our experienced litigation team regularly assists clients with security of payment disputes across Queensland and NSW. We can review your claim, prepare a compliant payment schedule, gather evidence, and represent you in adjudication if required. Don’t face this alone – contact CJM Lawyers today. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Security of payment legislation is complex and fact-specific. It is essential to seek specific professional legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances as soon as you receive a payment claim.
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