Builders right to Extensions of time
The date for commencement is put back or the building period is extended if the carrying out of thr building works is delayed due to
* A variation or a request for a variation by the owner in accordance with clauses 16,21,23 and 24
* A suspension of work in accordance with clause 35
* Inclement weather or conditions resulting from inclement weather in excess of the days nominated in schedule 1
* disputes with neighbouring owners or residents, or proceedings brought or threatened by them, that are not the builders fault
* civil commotion or industrail action affecting the work of trades people or the work of a manufacturer or supplier of materials
*anything done or not done by the owner or by and agent, contractor, or employee of the owner
* a delay in getting any approval, provided that it is not the builders fault or
* any other cause that is beyond the builders control.
That's clause 34 and none of these have happened for building to be delayed.
None of these relate to the reasons given by the builder:
30 days for the Christmas shutdown period (inserted dates here)
7 days for public holidays (inserted 7 public holidays here)
39 days for weekends (calculated up until the 30 June 2009 over and above the 10 days allowed)
It looks like they are running late due to a fault of their own and do not which to pay the liquidated damages. By rejecting it you buy time to talk to the builder. I would only accept delays that are not the fault of the builder (rain is the only one that comes to mind).