Victorian Process & Fees
Background to Adjudication
Victoria’s Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 provides a statutory entitlement to be paid. If you are in dispute with the entity that pays you (‘your client’), then the Act provides for a speedy system, known as adjudication, to determine your right to payment.
To obtain an adjudication, you must apply to an Authorised Nominating Authority (‘ANA’) for the appointment of an adjudicator. IAMA is a leading ANA that has no connection with any industry group. It has many independent, impartial and capable adjudicators who have been through extensive training.
The adjudication process is described in more detail on the Building Commission website (see above links) and these notes provide guidance on costs of adjudication.
Adjudicator Nomination Fee
When you apply to IAMA to appoint an adjudicator, there is no charge for that service.
Adjudicator Fee – Standard Adjudication
Most IAMA adjudicators charge on an hourly rate basis:
| Claimed Amount (excl GST) | Max Adjudicator Fee |
| Up to $199,999 | $200 + GST per hour |
| Above $200,000 | $300 + GST per hour |
Adjudicator Fee – ‘Simple Adjudication’ Alternative
To qualify as a ‘simple adjudication’, the following criteria must be met: No more than 2 matters in dispute Your total submission to IAMA must not exceed 50 A4 pages (at minimum 12 point font) There must be no need for any meetings or site inspections etc.
For simple adjudications, IAMA offers a capped price package fee covering ANA Nomination Fee, Adjudicator Fee and Adjudication Certificate Fee
| Claimed Amount (excl GST) | IAMA’s Capped Price Package Fee |
| Up to $9,999 | Maximum $1,100 + GST |
| $10,000 to $19,999 | Maximum $2,200 + GST |
Adjudication Certificate Fee
If you are successful in your adjudication, but you are having difficulty in getting paid, you may well want an Adjudication Certificate, which IAMA would issue for $275 incl GST.