Cairns builder cops fine and 5-year ban

A Far North builder has been convicted of making a false or misleading statement and has been ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and been disqualified from managing a corporation.

A FAR North builder has been convicted by the Cairns Magistrates Court of making a false or misleading statement and has been ordered to pay a $1,500 fine plus court costs.

Andrew Ross Eddy was a director of East Coast Construction Services Pty Ltd which operated in the building and construction industry.

In June 2020, Mr Eddy deregistered his business and declared that it was not a party to any legal proceedings.

East Coast Construction Services Andrew Ross Eddy has been fined in the Cairns Magistrates Court. Picture: Brendan Radke

But it was later found on that date East Coast Construction Services was involved in legal proceedings before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. On March 8 2022 Mr Eddy pleaded guilty to making a false or misleading statement and was sentenced in the Cairns Magistrates Court.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted the matter following a referral from Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Mr Eddy is automatically disqualified from managing corporations for five years until March 7, 2027 by virtue of his conviction.

A QBCC licence search reveals East Coast Construction Services as an individual entity was “excluded” from holding a low rise, medium rise and carpentry licence which were cancelled on June 22 this year. Trading as a company the firm’s licence was cancelled for failure to pay annual licence fees earlier this year.

Mr Eddy responded to the ruling when contacted.

“It was a bad decision and I got a $1,500 fine, it is what it is. It’s done and dusted,” he said.

Follow @petercarruther1

Originally published as Cairns builder cops fine and 5-year ban