Minister for Small Business Julie Collins today welcomed the release of the Australian Government Pay On‑Time Survey Performance Report 2021–22.
The results show an improvement in payment times performance by Government agencies.
Overall, a higher proportion of eligible invoices have been paid within 20 calendar days in the 2021–22 financial year, as compared to the 2020–21 financial year.
The Albanese Government understands how critical payment times are for small businesses to improve cashflow and provide more certainty for business planning.
Minister Collins said that is why the Government is leading by example to ensure small businesses are paid on time.
“The Albanese Government believes we all have a role to play to improve payment times for small businesses and I welcome this improved data,” Minister Collins said.
“I encourage other businesses to lift their game to ensure our nation’s small businesses are paid on time.”
Key findings from the Survey show of the 93 agencies surveyed:
- Agencies paid 96 per cent of the 1,472,698 invoices received within 20 days, an increase of 3 percentage points from 2020–21
- Agencies paid 90 per cent of the $8.32 billion value of invoices within 20 days, an increase of 4 percentage point from 2020–21
- 71 agencies reported being eInvoice enabled.
The Australian Government Pay On‑Time Survey has been conducted annually since 2002 to assess the Australian Government’s performance against the Supplier Pay On‑Time or Pay Interest Policy.
The Survey results demonstrate the Albanese Government’s commitment to improving payment times and supporting Australia’s small businesses.
“This is why the Government has launched an independent review into payment times to inform further reforms to make sure Australia’s small business are paid on time,” Minister Collins said.
“The Albanese Government is delivering for small business – cracking down on unfair contracts, updating Commonwealth Procurement Rules and helping improve digital outcomes.
“We know small businesses have had an incredibly difficult few years, so our Government is not wasting a day to deliver more.”
The Australian Government Pay On‑Time Survey 2021–22 Performance Report is available on the Treasury website.