Northern Territory: Security of Payment
Getting paid for construction work in the NT is governed by the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 (NT). It applies to construction contracts for work on a site in the Northern Territory entered into on or after 1 July 2005, whether the contract is written, oral or a mix of both.
The NT scheme works differently from the east-coast Acts. There is no “payment schedule” step. Instead, the right to adjudicate starts when a payment dispute arises, and either party to the contract can apply.
Does the Act cover your job?
- Construction work on a site in the NT, or goods, professional services or on-site services supplied for it
- A contract entered into on or after 1 July 2005, even if it has since ended or been terminated
- Head contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants are all covered
- Not covered: drilling for oil or gas, building mine shafts, pits or quarries, and building watercraft
- High value contracts (above the amount set by regulation) can agree to their own dispute process instead
Key timeframes
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| When you can claim | As set out in the contract or, if it says nothing, any time after you have carried out some of the work |
| Response to your claim (if the contract says nothing) | Notice of dispute within 10 working days, or payment in full within 20 working days |
| Maximum payment terms | 30 working days after the claim (longer terms are read down) |
| Apply for adjudication | 65 working days after the payment dispute arises |
| Response to the application | 15 working days after it is served |
| Adjudicator’s decision | 10 working days after the response (extensions possible) |
| Notice before suspending work | At least 3 working days’ written notice |
Working days exclude weekends, public holidays and 25 December to 7 January.
How the NT differs from other states
- A payment dispute starts the clock: it arises when your claim is rejected or disputed, when it isn’t paid in full by the due date, or when retention money or security isn’t returned on time.
- No notice step: you go straight to an adjudication application.
- Either party can apply: a principal can also apply for adjudication against its contractor.
- Decisions are enforced through the courts: a determination certified by the Construction Contracts Registrar can be filed in court and enforced as a court order.
See the NT Security of Payment Act Flowchart for every step and deadline.
Need help with an NT claim?
We prepare payment claims and adjudication applications and enforce adjudicated amounts. Call 1300 732 687 or use our NT claim form.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Timeframes depend on your contract. Based on the Act as in force at 25 May 2024. Last reviewed October 2026.