Special Joint Taskforce investigation into Queensland building industry corruption a win for Cairns subbies

Cairns subbies hope the new Queensland Government Special Joint Taskforce investigation into the building industry will let them get paid on time.

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Cairns subbies hope the new Queensland Government Special Joint Taskforce investigation into the building industry will let them get paid on time.

Recharge Air and Electrical owner Ben Wone said he hoped the Taskforce would have the power to enforce protection of subbies.

Refrigeration and airconditioning technician Ben Wone installs an air conditioner in a new home in Kamerunga PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

“If a builder closes down and doesn’t pay their subbies, they should have the power to go in, seize their assets, find the funds and pay what they’re owed,” he said. “I’ve seen first-hand what happens when builders close the doors without paying the subbies.”

Mr Wone said subbie protection should extend beyond builders going bust, to when they don’t pay on time. “Even the ones that don’t go broke don’t always pay their bills, and when you’ve got everything tied up in a business, it can be really stressful not knowing when you’ll get paid,” he said.

“If you’re waiting on payments worth $20-100,000 and you’ve got fuel, materials, labour, plus things like school fees for your kids, it just holds up everything.”

Ex-National Subcontractors Association president Ron Crew welcomed the inquiry.

Originally published as Special Joint Taskforce investigation into Queensland building industry corruption a win for Cairns subbies