The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell has welcomed the Queensland government’s commitment to faster payment terms for small businesses and has urged other states and territories to follow suit.
“A reduction in invoice payment times from 30 days to 20 days is to be commended, although it is disappointing it couldn’t be achieved before 1 July next year,” Ms Carnell said. “The Federal Government has committed to reducing payment times to 20 days by 1 July, and down to five days for small businesses that adopt e-invoicing next year.”
Last year, the NSW government fast-tracked its payment policy to 20 days and has committed to a five-day period by the end of 2019. The ASBFEO stated that if they can do this for the small business sector, other states and territories should do the same.
“Queensland has made a step in the right direction and together with a commitment to help small businesses gain better access to government procurement, the engine room of their economy will prosper and grow,” Ms Carnell said.
The first phase of ASBFEO’s Access to Justice Inquiry last year found payment times and terms were the biggest cause of disputes. In addition, its review of payment terms, times and practices report in April this year found a persistent trend of payment times being extended beyond usual standards.
The ASBFEO pointed out that a shortfall in cashflow is the leading cause of business insolvency, which underscores the importance of timely payments.
“Big business should also step up to the plate with faster payment times, instead of the 90 or 120 days we see from some big companies at the moment. That is abuse of market power,” Ms Carnell said. “We will continue to apply pressure to ensure small businesses get a fair go from all levels of government and big business.”
