{"id":"late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013","name":"Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013","slug":"late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"sa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":105709,"registerId":"sa-late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013","content":"South Australia\nLate Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013\nAn Act to provide for interest to be paid on the late payment of debts due to businesses in connection with contracts for the supply of goods or services to State Government; and for other purposes.\n\nContents\n1\tShort title\n3\tPreliminary\n4\tChange in identity of parties\n5\tOccurrence of default event\n6\tInterest payable if default event occurs\n7\tDisputes\n8\tReporting\n9\tRegulations\nLegislative history\n\nThe Parliament of South Australia enacts as follows:\n1—Short title\nThis Act may be cited as the Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013.\n3—Preliminary\n\t(1)\tIn this Act, unless the contrary intention appears—\ncontract for the supply of goods or services means a contract—\n\t(a)\tfor the sale or transfer of goods; or\n\t(b)\tfor the hire of goods; or\n\t(c)\tfor the provision of services;\ndesignated contract means a contract for the supply of goods or services but does not include—\n\t(a)\ta written contract where the contract—\n\t(i)\tmakes specific provision for payment terms that are greater than the prescribed number of days; or\n\t(ii)\tmakes specific provision for the payment of interest if a payment is not made in accordance with the terms of the contract; or\n\t(b)\ta construction contract under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009; or\n\t(c)\ta contract where the consideration for the sale, transfer or hire of goods, or the provision of services, is not, or does not include, a monetary consideration; or\n\t(d)\ta contract of a class excluded from the ambit of this definition by the regulations;\ndesignated payment period means the period of days that applies under section 5(1)(e);\nGST means the tax payable under the GST law;\nGST law means—\n\t(a)\tA New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 of the Commonwealth; and\n\t(b)\tthe related legislation of the Commonwealth dealing with the imposition of a tax on the supply of goods and services;\nnot-for-profit entity means—\n\t(a)\tan entity that is registered, or entitled to be registered, under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 of the Commonwealth; or\n\t(b)\tany other entity (other than a government entity) that is not carried on for the purposes of profit or gain or for the benefit of particular people;\npublic authority means a public authority under the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 brought within the ambit of this definition by notice published by the Treasurer in the Gazette;\npurchaser means the buyer in a contract for the sale of goods or the person who contracts with the supplier in any other contract for the supply of goods or services (subject to the operation of section 4);\nqualifying body means—\n\t(a)\ta corporation incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth; or\n\t(b)\ta not-for-profit entity;\nqualifying contract means a designated contract where—\n\t(a)\tthe purchaser is a public authority; and\n\t(b)\tthe supplier is a qualifying person or a qualifying body;\nqualifying day means the day immediately following the end of a designated payment period that applies in relation to a particular qualifying contract under section 5;\nqualifying debt means a debt created by virtue of a qualifying contract;\nqualifying person means a natural person whose principal place of residence is situated in Australia;\nsupplier means the seller in a contract for the sale of goods or the person agreeing with the purchaser to transfer property in goods or to provide a service under any other contract for the supply of goods or services (subject to the operation of section 4);\nTreasurer's instruction means an instruction issued by the Treasurer under section 41 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987.\n\t(3)\tThis Act applies in relation to an invoice sent or a claim made to a public authority or other entity on or after the day on which this Act comes into operation (subject to the invoice or claim being rendered in accordance with a relevant Treasurer's instruction).\n4—Change in identity of parties\nThe operation of this Act in relation to a qualifying debt is not affected by—\n\t(a)\ta change in the identity of a party to the contract creating the debt; or\n\t(b)\tthe passing of the right to be paid the debt or the duty to pay it (in whole or in part) to a person other than a party to the contract creating the debt.\n5—Occurrence of default event\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of this Act, a default event occurs if—\n\t(a)\tgoods or services are provided to a public authority under a qualifying contract; and\n\t(b)\tan invoice is sent or a claim is made by the supplier under the qualifying contract for the payment of a qualifying debt; and\n\t(ba)\tthe amount specified as being payable in the invoice or claim does not exceed $1 million (exclusive of GST); and\n\t(c)\tthe invoice or claim is rendered to the public authority, or to another public authority or other entity, in accordance with any relevant Treasurer's instruction; and\n\t(d)\tthe invoice or claim complies with any requirements as to the imposition of GST (as between supplier and purchaser); and\n\t(e)\tpayment by or on behalf of the public authority is made to the supplier but the payment is made more than the prescribed number of days after the relevant day; and\n\t(f)\tthe public authority (or another public authority or entity acting on behalf of the public authority) did not dispute a relevant matter within the designated payment period.\n\t(2)\tA public authority or other entity must, in initiating a dispute under subsection (1)(f), comply with any procedure set out in any relevant Treasurer's instruction.\n\t(3)\tIn this section—\nrelevant day means the day on which an invoice or claim (being an invoice or claim that complies with any relevant Treasurer's instruction and is in all other respects in the correct form for payment) is received by a public authority, or a public authority or other entity acting on behalf of a public authority, in accordance with any relevant Treasurer's instruction;\nrelevant matter means—\n\t(a)\twhether goods or services have been provided in accordance with the terms or provisions of a qualifying contract; or\n\t(b)\tsome other matter relating to the supply of goods or services under a qualifying contract; or\n\t(c)\twhether an invoice or claim has been properly rendered; or\n\t(d)\tany other prescribed matter.\n6—Interest payable if default event occurs\n\t(1)\tThe supplier under the qualifying contract in relation to which a default event occurs is (subject to this section) entitled to a minimum amount of interest calculated in accordance with the regulations.\n\t(2)\tRegulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) must provide for a minimum amount of interest that is not less than the amount that would have applied under subsection (1) as in force immediately before the commencement of section 5 of the Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) (Review) Amendment Act 2024.\n\t(3)\tA supplier is not entitled to interest if the minimum amount of interest calculated under this section is less than—\n\t(a)\t$10; or\n\t(b)\tif another amount is prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection—that amount.\n\t(5)\tInterest payable under this section will be a liability to be satisfied by the public authority that is in default (and will be payable out of money made available or held for the purposes of the public authority).\n\t(6)\tInterest payable under this Act must be paid by the public authority within 2 business days of the authority making the payment for the goods or services supplied under the qualifying contract.\n\t(7)\tTo avoid doubt, interest is not payable on any unpaid interest under this section.\n\t(8)\tThis section applies subject to the outcome of any dispute under section 7.\n7—Disputes\n\t(1)\tIf a dispute arises between a public authority and a supplier about whether interest or an amount of interest is payable under this Act on account of a prescribed matter, the matter may be referred to the Small Business Commission (which is conferred with the function of resolving the dispute).\n\t(2)\tThe Small Business Commission may specify procedures and requirements that are to apply in connection with the operation of subsection (1).\n\t(3)\tThe Small Business Commission may resolve a dispute in such manner as the Commission determines to be appropriate.\n\t(4)\tThe Small Business Commission may, in acting under this section, exercise any power of the Commission that applies under the Small Business Commission Act 2011 in relation to the performance of the Commission's functions under that Act.\n\t(5)\tIf the Small Business Commission determines that a public authority should pay interest with respect to a qualifying debt under this Act, the public authority must ensure that the interest, of an amount calculated by the Commission, is paid in accordance with any determination of the Commission.\n8—Reporting\n\t(1)\tThis section applies in relation to a public authority—\n\t(a)\tthat is a government department; or\n\t(b)\tthat is a statutory authority that has a governing body.\n\t(2)\tIf a public authority to which this section applies makes a payment of interest under this Act in any month, the Chief Executive of the public authority must furnish a report with respect to the payment of the interest to—\n\t(a)\tin the case of a government department—the Minister with responsibility for the department; or\n\t(b)\tin any other case—the governing body of the public authority.\n\t(3)\tThe report—\n\t(a)\tmust contain any information required under a Treasurer's instruction; and\n\t(b)\tmust be furnished—\n\t(i)\tin the case of a report under subsection (2)(a)—within 21 days after the end of the month in which the payment is made; or\n\t(ii)\tin the case of a report under subsection (2)(b)—at the next regular meeting of the governing body of the public authority occurring after the end of the month in which the payment is made.\n9—Regulations\nThe Governor may make such regulations as are contemplated by this Act or as are necessary or expedient for the purposes of this Act.\nLegislative history\nNotes\n\t•\tPlease note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete.\n\t•\tEarlier versions of this Act (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history.\n\t•\tFor further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au.\nLegislation amended by principal Act\nThe Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013 amended the following:\nPublic Finance and Audit Act 1987\nPrincipal Act and amendments\nNew entries appear in bold.\nYear\nNo\nTitle\nAssent\nCommencement\n2013\n82\n Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013 \n5.12.2013\n17.2.2014 (Gazette 13.2.2014 p886)\n2018\n19\n Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) (Automatic Payment of Interest) Amendment Act 2018\n25.10.2018\n1.11.2018 (Gazette 1.11.2018 p3924)\n2024\n36\nLate Payment of Government Debts (Interest) (Review) Amendment Act 2024\n19.9.2024\n1.11.2024 (Gazette 31.10.2024 p4037)\n2024\n65\nStatutes Amendment (Small Business Commission and Retail and Commercial Leases) Act 2024\n5.12.2024\nPt 6 (s 97)—1.7.2025 (Gazette 19.6.2025 p1865)\nProvisions amended\nNew entries appear in bold.\nEntries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics.\nProvision\nHow varied\nCommencement\nLong title\namended by 19/2018 s 4\n1.11.2018\n\namended under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.11.2018\ns 2\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.11.2018\ns 3\n\n\ns 3(1)\n\n\nannual turnover\ndeleted by 19/2018 s 5(1)\n1.11.2018\nbusiness\ndeleted by 19/2018 s 5(1)\n1.11.2018\ndesignated contract\namended by 36/2024 s 3(1)\n1.11.2024\ndesignated payment period\namended by 36/2024 s 3(2)\n1.11.2024\nnot-for-profit entity\ninserted by 36/2024 s 3(3)\n1.11.2024\nprescribed interest rate\ndeleted by 36/2024 s 3(4)\n1.11.2024\nqualifying body\nsubstituted by 19/2018 s 5(2)\n1.11.2018\n\nsubstituted by 36/2024 s 3(5)\n1.11.2024\nsmall business\ndeleted by 19/2018 s 5(3)\n1.11.2018\ns 3(2)\ndeleted by 19/2018 s 5(4)\n1.11.2018\ns 5\n\n\ns 5(1)\namended by 19/2018 s 6\n1.11.2018\n\namended by 36/2024 s 4\n1.11.2024\ns 6\n\n\ns 6(1) before substitution by 36/2024\namended by 19/2018 s 7(1)\n1.11.2018\nPIR\namended by 19/2018 s 7(2)\n1.11.2018\ns 6(1)—(3)\nsubstituted by 36/2024 s 5(1)\n1.11.2024\ns 6(4)\namended by 19/2018 s 7(3)\n1.11.2018\n\ndeleted by 36/2024 s 5(1)\n1.11.2024\ns 6(6)\nsubstituted by 19/2018 s 7(4)\n1.11.2018\n\namended by 36/2024 s 5(2)\n1.11.2024\ns 6(9)\ndeleted by 19/2018 s 7(5)\n1.11.2018\ns 7\n\n\ns 7(1)\nsubstituted by 19/2018 s 8\n1.11.2018\n\namended by 65/2024 s 97(1)\n1.7.2025\ns 7(2)\namended by 65/2024 s 97(2)\n1.7.2025\ns 7(3)\namended by 65/2024 s 97(3)\n1.7.2025\ns 7(4)\namended by 65/2024 s 97(4)—(6)\n1.7.2025\ns 7(5)\namended by 65/2024 s 97(7)\n1.7.2025\ns 10\ndeleted by 19/2018 s 9\n1.11.2018\nSch 1\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.11.2018\nTransitional etc provisions associated with Act or amendments\nLate Payment of Government Debts (Interest) (Automatic Payment of Interest) Amendment Act 2018, Sch 1\n1—Transitional provision\nAn amendment made to the Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act  2013 by this Act applies only in relation to an invoice or claim rendered by a supplier (within the meaning of that Act) after the commencement of the amendment.\nLate Payment of Government Debts (Interest) (Review) Amendment Act 2024, Sch 1\n1—Transitional provision\nAn amendment made to the Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013 by this Act applies only in relation to an invoice or claim rendered by a supplier (within the meaning of that Act) after the commencement of the amendment.\nHistorical versions\n1.11.2018\n\n1.11.2024\n\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act's scope has been materially altered by later amendments. Key changes include: (a) broadening eligible suppliers to explicitly include not‑for‑profit entities and corporations (substituted definition of qualifying body, s3 amendments in 2024); (b) adding an invoice value cap of $1,000,000 (s5(1)(ba), 2024 amendment) which narrows coverage for very large claims; (c) removing some original small‑business‑specific terminology and replacing a fixed prescribed interest rate with a requirement that regulations provide a minimum interest amount not lower than the previously in‑force rate (s6(1)–(2), 2024 amendment); (d) introducing automatic payment and other procedural changes in the 2018 amendment; and (e) changes to the Small Business Commission’s role and procedures made in 2024/2025 amendments. These amendments both broaden the class of beneficiaries (e.g. including not‑for‑profits) and reallocate important parameter‑setting from the primary Act to regulations and Treasurer’s instructions, changing how coverage and remedies are implemented in practice. Transitional provisions limit retrospective application by applying amendments only to invoices rendered after relevant commencements."},"complexity_factors":["Approximately 17 defined terms in s3 that control scope (e.g. qualifying contract, qualifying body, designated contract, Treasurer's instruction)","Key operational parameters (prescribed number of days, minimum interest calculation, classes excluded) are delegated to regulations and Treasurer's instructions (multiple subordinate instruments)","Nested conditional logic in s5 (six cumulative conditions must be met for a default event), including an invoice‑value cap (s5(1)(ba))","Multiple cross‑references to other Acts and instruments (GST law, Public Finance and Audit Act, Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act, Small Business Commission Act)","Dispute resolution routed to an administrative body (Small Business Commission) that may exercise separate statutory powers and procedures (s7) — adds procedural complexity and external dependencies","Amendments over time (2018, 2024 and a 2025 commencement for certain amendments) produce transitional rules and shifting parameters to reconcile (see legislative history and transitional provisions)","Exceptions and exclusions to the definition of a designated contract (s3) introduce layered exemptions (written contracts with longer terms, contracts with interest provisions, construction contracts, non‑monetary contracts, regulation‑made classes)","Operational timing requirements (interest payable within 2 business days of payment; reporting timeframes within 21 days or at next governing‑body meeting) add strict short deadlines (s6(6), s8(3))"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does (mechanics)\n\n- Establishes a legal entitlement to be paid interest when certain invoices to State public authorities are paid late (the \"qualifying debt\").\n\n- Who can claim interest: a supplier that is either a natural person living in Australia or an eligible body (a corporation under the Corporations Act or a not‑for‑profit entity) that supplied goods or services under a qualifying contract (see s3 definitions and s3: qualifying body / qualifying contract).\n\n- When interest becomes payable (the \"default event\"): several conditions must be met (s5):\n  - goods or services were supplied under a qualifying contract; \n  - the supplier sent an invoice or claim in accordance with any Treasurer's instruction; \n  - the invoice complies with GST requirements; \n  - the invoice amount (exclusive of GST) does not exceed $1,000,000 (s5(1)(ba));\n  - payment by or on behalf of the public authority was made more than the prescribed number of days after the \"relevant day\"; and\n  - the public authority did not initiate a dispute about a relevant matter within the designated payment period.\n\n- How much interest: the supplier is entitled to at least a minimum amount of interest calculated under the regulations (s6(1)). Regulations must set a minimum interest rate/amount that is not lower than the rate that applied immediately before the 2024 review amendment (s6(2)). Interest below $10 (or another regulation‑prescribed floor) is not payable (s6(3)). Interest is not payable on unpaid interest (s6(7)).\n\n- Payment mechanics: interest due must be paid by the defaulting public authority within 2 business days of the authority making the payment for the goods or services (s6(6)). Interest itself is a liability of the public authority and is payable out of its funds (s6(5)).\n\n- Dispute resolution: if a dispute arises about whether interest is payable on a prescribed matter, it may be referred to the Small Business Commission for resolution (s7). The Commission can set its own procedures and may exercise its powers under the Small Business Commission Act when resolving these matters (s7(1)–(4)). If the Commission finds interest is payable, the public authority must pay the interest in the amount and manner the Commission specifies (s7(5)).\n\n- Reporting and oversight: where a government department or a statutory authority with a governing body pays interest under the Act, the Chief Executive must report the payment to the responsible Minister or to the authority’s governing body (s8). The report must comply with any Treasurer's instruction and be submitted within prescribed timeframes (s8(2)–(3)).\n\n- Rules and details: the Act delegates key parameters (the prescribed number of days after which payment is \"late\", the calculation of minimum interest, classes of contracts excluded, and other operational detail) to regulations and to Treasurer's instructions (s3 definitions, s6(1)–(2), s9).\n\n\nWho this affects\n\n- Suppliers: natural persons resident in Australia and eligible bodies (corporations and registered not‑for‑profits) supplying goods or services to South Australian public authorities under qualifying contracts. They gain an entitlement to interest on late payments, subject to the Act’s conditions (s3, s5, s6).\n\n- Public authorities: State departments and statutory authorities brought within the definition (s3: public authority). They bear the cost of interest for late payments, must follow Treasurer’s instructions about invoice handling and dispute initiation, and must report any interest payments (s5, s6, s8).\n\n- Intermediaries and payors acting on behalf of public authorities: the Act treats payments and disputes initiated by other public authorities or entities acting on behalf of the authority as if initiated by the authority (s5(1)(c),(f)).\n\n- Regulators/administrators: the Treasurer (via instructions) and the Governor (via regulations) determine important operational settings; the Small Business Commission resolves disputes (s3, s7, s9).\n\n\nWhy it matters (claimed purpose and practical trade‑offs)\n\n- Officially, the Act aims to ensure timely payment to suppliers to public authorities by compensating suppliers when the State pays late (Long title; reflected in s6). That is the stated purpose in explanatory material for the reforms.\n\n- Concrete costs and incentives the Act creates:\n  - Who pays: public authorities bear the direct fiscal cost of interest on late payments (s6(5)). Those costs may be concentrated (larger accounts payable teams or a limited number of recurrent late payees) or diffuse across departments depending on payment practices.\n  - Who benefits: suppliers meeting the qualifying criteria and invoice conditions obtain additional compensation for late payment. Inclusion of not‑for‑profits (s3 definition) broadens the set of beneficiaries beyond private small businesses.\n  - Behavioural effects: public authorities have an incentive to pay on time to avoid additional interest liabilities; suppliers have an incentive to comply strictly with Treasurer’s instructions and invoice formality requirements to preserve entitlement to interest (s3, s5(1)(c), s5(3)).\n  - Compliance burden: suppliers must follow Treasurer’s instructions for invoicing and proof of supply; public authorities must implement dispute procedures and reporting obligations (s5(2), s8). That creates administrative overhead and potential implementation risk if instructions or internal procedures are unclear.\n  - Regulatory discretion and uncertainty: the Act leaves key parameters (the late‑payment threshold in days, the precise interest calculation, classes of excluded contracts) to regulations and Treasurer’s instructions (s6(1)–(2), s3, s9). That centralises decision‑making and can change operational details without amending the Act.\n  - Limits and exclusions: the Act excludes contracts that already specify longer payment terms or interest arrangements, construction contracts covered by the Security of Payment Act, non‑monetary consideration, and any contract classes set out in regulations (s3: designated contract exclusions). It also caps qualifying invoices at $1 million exclusive of GST (s5(1)(ba)), and excludes interest on interest (s6(7)). These features change who is covered and limit fiscal exposure.\n\n\nImplementation and operational risks\n\n- The entitlement depends on strict compliance with Treasurer's instructions and with GST/invoice requirements; failures may deny interest to suppliers (s5(1)(c),(d)).\n\n- Many operational details are delegated to subordinate instruments (regulations and Treasurer’s instructions). That delegation speeds policy changes but increases uncertainty for suppliers and public authorities until rules are promulgated and relied upon.\n\n- Dispute resolution is handled administratively (Small Business Commission) rather than by courts, which may speed resolution but raises questions about enforceability and consistency of outcomes across cases (s7).\n\n\nKey sections to read for detail\n\n- Definitions and scope: s3\n- Default event / when interest is triggered: s5 (note the $1,000,000 cap in s5(1)(ba))\n- Interest entitlement and payment mechanics: s6\n- Dispute resolution: s7\n- Reporting by public authorities: s8\n- Delegation to regulations: s9\n\n\nNote on amendments: the Act has been amended since first passed. Important changes include automatic payment and calculation mechanisms and an expanded definition of eligible suppliers and contracts. Transitional provisions mean amendments generally apply only to invoices rendered after the commencement of the relevant amendment (see transitional notes)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 2013 Act was narrowly targeted at 'small businesses' (defined by annual turnover thresholds). The 2018 amendments removed turnover requirements and substituted a broader 'qualifying body' definition. The 2024 amendments further expanded scope by: (1) explicitly adding not-for-profit entities as qualifying suppliers, (2) removing the statutory interest calculation formula in favour of delegated regulation-making power, and (3) adding a $1 million invoice cap. The legislation has evolved from a small business protection measure to a broader supplier protection mechanism covering corporations and NFPs, with increasing reliance on subordinate legislation for operational details."},"complexity_factors":["14 defined terms in section 3(1), several with nested sub-definitions (e.g., 'designated contract' has 4 exclusion categories, 'qualifying body' has 2 categories)","Multiple cross-references to external legislation: Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), GST law, Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009 (SA), Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 (SA), Small Business Commission Act 2011 (SA), Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth)","Conditional logic in section 5(1) requires 6 cumulative conditions (a-f) to trigger a 'default event', including a $1 million cap and compliance with Treasurer's instructions","Nested exceptions: 'designated contract' excludes contracts with existing interest clauses, construction contracts, non-monetary consideration, and regulation-excluded classes","Delegated legislation dependencies: 'prescribed number of days', interest calculation formula, and minimum interest amounts are all left to regulations rather than stated in the Act","Temporal complexity: Multiple amendment Acts (2018, 2024) with transitional provisions limiting application to invoices rendered after commencement dates","Identity continuity rule in section 4 addressing assignment of debts and change of parties"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThis South Australian law forces government agencies (\"public authorities\") to pay **interest penalties** when they pay small businesses and not-for-profits late for goods or services.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Suppliers:** Small businesses (corporations) and not-for-profit organisations that sell goods or provide services to the SA Government. Individual Australian residents can also qualify.\n- **Purchasers:** Government departments and public authorities that buy from these suppliers.\n\n**How it works:**\n\n- A **\"default event\"** occurs when:\n  - A supplier sends a proper invoice for under $1 million (excluding GST)\n  - The government agency pays **more than a set number of days late** (the \"prescribed number of days\" — set by regulations, not the Act itself)\n  - The agency doesn't dispute the invoice within the payment period\n\n- When this happens, the supplier gets **automatic interest** calculated by a formula in the regulations. There's a minimum threshold — no interest is paid if it calculates to less than $10 (or another amount set by regulations).\n\n- The interest must be paid **within 2 business days** of the original late payment.\n\n**Important exclusions:**\n\nThe law **doesn't apply** to:\n- Contracts that already have longer payment terms or interest clauses written in\n- Construction contracts (covered by different laws)\n- Barter deals (non-monetary payment)\n- Contracts excluded by regulations\n\n**Disputes:**\n\nIf there's an argument about whether interest is owed, the **Small Business Commission** can resolve it. Their decision binds the government agency.\n\n**Reporting:**\n\nGovernment departments must report monthly interest payments to their Minister; other public authorities report to their governing board.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis law gives teeth to the government's promise to pay suppliers on time. Before this, small businesses had no automatic right to compensation when government agencies dragged their feet on payments — a common cash flow killer. The 2024 amendments expanded coverage to include not-for-profits and changed how interest is calculated (now set by regulations with a minimum floor)."},"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed as the legislative text was not retrievable. The page returned a 'Page Not Found' error, likely due to a broken hyperlink following a South Australian legislation website update in March 2026. No comparison between original intent and final form is possible."},"complexity_factors":["No actual legislative text was provided — only a website error page","Analysis is based solely on the Act's title, making meaningful complexity assessment impossible","Cannot assess definitions, exceptions, regulatory frameworks, or cross-references without the text"],"plain_english_summary":"The link returned a “Page Not Found,” so the Act’s text wasn’t available. From its title, the Late Payment of Government Debts (Interest) Act 2013 (SA) appears to set how interest is charged on government-related debts paid late — who pays, when interest starts, and what rate applies. It would affect individuals, businesses and agencies with delayed payments to or from the SA Government."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013","history":"/api/acts/late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013/history","analysis":"/api/acts/late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/late-payment-of-government-debts-interest-act-2013/documents"}}