10/03/2026
Call for Subcontractors to Join an Action Group ⭐
It’s time for real change in our industry.
Early last year, I spoke with MP Chris Penk about forming a national subcontractor action group across all trades and sectors. The goal is simple — and urgent:
To stand together against bullying tactics from some main contractors and push for meaningful reform.
In recent years, I’ve watched far too many good subcontracting businesses struggle or collapse — not due to poor workmanship, but because of unfair behaviour, withheld payments, delayed retentions, and processes being misused to avoid paying for work that has already been approved.
We’ve already held several meetings and have strong interest from large and small subcontractors, along with support from a construction lawyer, a major insurance firm, engineers, electricians, and even our biggest competitor — because despite competing, we share common goals and common challenges.
Chris Penk has attended these calls and is fully supportive of this initiative.
Why this group is needed
Too many subcontractors are experiencing:
Contract charges and liquidated damages applied unfairly
Final payments or approved variations withheld without cause
Retentions delayed or misused
Vague excuses replacing proper processes under the Construction Contracts Act
“Defects” raised late purely to delay or avoid payment
The impact?
Businesses going under, families losing their livelihoods, and an industry culture that continues to reward poor behaviour.
This initiative is volunteer-based — but if we don’t stand together, nothing will change.
What we aim to achieve
Advocate for necessary reforms to the Construction Contracts Act
Build collective pressure for fairer, more transparent practices
Create a unified and influential voice for subcontractors
Share legal, financial, and practical guidance
Support each other when facing unfair treatment by main contractors
Work together to prevent future abuses around retentions and payments
If you’re a subcontractor and this resonates with you, I invite you to join us.
Send me a DM, or tag/connect anyone who should be part of this movement.
Let’s protect the people who actually build this country.
Let’s push for fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Let’s stand up — together
