# The Construction Payment System Is Broken | Michelle Cirson

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jimmy-talks-construction-7352594/the-construction-payment-system-is-broken-michelle-cirson
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jimmy-talks-construction-7352594/the-construction-payment-system-is-broken-michelle-cirson.md
Podcast: [Jimmy Talks Construction](https://stenobird.com/podcast/jimmy-talks-construction-7352594)
Published: 2026-07-21T07:14:57+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/jimmy-talks/3009374
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/331611/3009374/jimmy-talks/2026_07_21_07_12_48_8c40272f-349c-40a9-80f3-c64ad49fbbe9.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/jimmy-talks-construction-7352594/episodes/the-construction-payment-system-is-broken-michelle-cirson
Duration seconds: 5870

## Resource

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, James sits down with Michelle Cirson, founder of Subcontractor Legal and The Subbies’ Toolbox, to unpack the contractual and commercial traps costing Australian subcontractors millions. Michelle explains why retentions are often used to support builder cash flow, how Security of Payment legislation works, why being the “good bloke” can leave subcontractors exposed and when suspending work may be the only way to bring a builder to the negotiating table. They also discuss: • A formworker pressured into taking on three high-rise projects with one builder • How payment claims can be deliberately delayed or reduced • Why subcontractors need an accounts receivable escalation procedure • Protecting machinery and equipment through PPSR registrations • An excavator being withheld after a subcontractor entered liquidation • Directors’ guarantees, secured creditors and preference payments • Fixed-price contracts and rapidly increasing fuel costs • Variations, acceleration claims, delay costs and contractual time bars • Why relationships alone will not protect your construction business This is essential listening for subcontractors, civil contractors, trades, plant hire companies, commercial managers, contracts administrators and construction business owners. This podcast contains general information and discussion only and should not be treated as legal advice. How to Claim Costs Increases Under Fixed Price Contracts: https://www.subbiestoolbox.com.au/cost Connect with Michelle: 🌐 Website: https://www.subcontractorlegal.com.au/ 🌐 Website: https://www.subbiestoolbox.com.au/ 🎙️Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/68whpTaxxcmIDhWXNdXIu5 🎙️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-subbies-toolbox-podcast/id1663062832 💼 LinkedIn…

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## Transcript

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