Each year, the QBCC helps Queenslanders recover millions of dollars through its monies-owed complaint process. In 2025-26, the QBCC received 694 monies-owed complaints and helped recover more than $5.25 million for creditors. Since the Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) policy commenced in 2014, the QBCC has helped recover $67 million through the process.
What is a monies-owed complaint?
A monies-owed complaint allows eligible sub-contractors and suppliers to lodge a complaint with the QBCC when they are owed money for building work or services they have completed but haven't been paid for by the head contractor.
The process is designed to encourage payment of undisputed debts and support fair business practices across Queensland's building and construction industry.
While the QBCC cannot determine contractual disputes or act as a debt collector, it can investigate unpaid debts and take regulatory action against licensees who fail to meet their financial obligations. This can include action under the QBCC's financial requirements framework.
When can you lodge a complaint?
Generally, a complaint may be lodged when:
- money is owed for building work, services or materials
- the debt is not genuinely disputed
- reasonable attempts have been made to recover the money directly
- the matter falls within the QBCC's legislative jurisdiction.
Before lodging a complaint, it's important to ensure you have relevant documentation available, such as contracts, invoices, payment claims and evidence of attempts to recover the debt.
What happens after a complaint is lodged?
Once a complaint is received, the QBCC assesses the information provided and may contact both parties as part of its enquiries.
In many cases, QBCC involvement prompts parties to resolve the matter and payment is made without the need for further action.
Where appropriate, the QBCC may investigate whether a licensee has breached their financial obligations and consider regulatory action under the Minimum Financial Requirements framework.
This approach helps maintain confidence in Queensland's building industry while encouraging businesses to meet their payment obligations.
Why is this important?
Cash flow is critical for contractors and subcontractors, particularly small businesses.
Unpaid debts can create financial stress, not only for the business directly affected, but for others throughout the supply chain.
The monies-owed complaint process helps promote financial accountability across the industry and supports a level playing field for businesses doing the right thing.
By investigating unpaid debts and identifying financial risks early, the QBCC can also help monitor the financial health of building industry participants and help support more sustainable business practices.
Don't wait too long
The QBCC encourages sub-contractors and suppliers to act promptly if they're experiencing difficulties recovering payment.
Seeking assistance early may increase the chances of resolving the matter before financial issues escalate.
QBCC Commissioner and CEO, Angelo Lambrinos, said the monies-owed process played an important role in supporting a financially responsible industry.
"Getting paid for completed work is fundamental to running a successful business,” he said.
"The QBCC's monies-owed process provides an avenue for eligible contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to raise concerns when they're not being paid.
"Our role is to encourage compliance with financial obligations and support a fair and sustainable building industry.
"Every year we see businesses recover money they're owed after the QBCC becomes involved, which proves the value of the process."
