Calls to protect payments following builder collapse

The federal government is overdue in ensuring tradie payments are made should companies go under. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The federal government has been urged to do more to protect worker payments following the collapse of several construction companies.

Independent senator David Pocock said the federal government was overdue in reforming the area to ensure subcontractors who have completed work receive their pay, should companies go under.