Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Supporting Small Businesses To Be Paid On Time) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Monday 22 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on amending procurement rules to exclude large businesses that consistently pay small suppliers late from accessing government contracts. Independent members Allegra Spender and Kate Chaney argued that the existing Payment Times Reporting Scheme had failed to improve payment behaviour and that linking procurement eligibility to payment performance would provide necessary incentives. They highlighted the financial stress caused by late payments, citing cash flow issues as a primary cause of small business insolvency. The bill proposes using existing reporting data to identify restricted payers, with exemptions for critical national interests or lack of viable alternatives. Both speakers urged the House to support the measure to protect small businesses without adding new regulatory burdens.

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