THE NSW Government’s Department of Finance and Services (DFS) is working to provide information and assistance to NSW sub-contractors, following a decision on Monday April 8 by the National Buildplan Group to enter voluntary administration.
DFS is working through specific contracts administered by the department and considering available options to complete work already underway. The department’s priority is to ensure that existing projects that come under its management are delivered and what steps, if any, can be taken to help sub-contractors.
National Buildplan Administrator, BRI Ferrier, has released a statement to creditors advising that the administrator has commenced an urgent assessment of the company’s financial position.
A moratorium has been placed on payment to unsecured creditors in relation to trading and other debts that were incurred, up to the date of the administrator’s appointment.
The first meeting of creditors will be held on April 18, 2013.
Sub-contractors who believe they are owed money under contract to National Buildplan Group are advised to seek independent legal advice and to contact the administrator, BRI Ferrier, on 02 8263 2300. Creditors can register their details with the administrator at nationalbuildplan@briferriernsw.com.au
DFS and another government agency, Health Infrastructure, have set up a telephone information hotline for sub-contractors and to provide information on the status of government projects. Affected sub-contractors can ring 02 9978 5417 to register their contact details, as well as information about National Buildplan projects they were working on and outstanding payments.
While the contracts with National Buildplan Group do not commit government agencies to underwrite subcontractor losses, DFS is making every effort to keep subcontractors informed of developments. The department will be monitoring and considering decisions made by the National Buildplan administrator.
