QBCC targets more than 120 builders in new crackdown

Queensland’s building watchdog has launched a new financial blitz on the state’s builders with more than 120 told to stop undertaking new work. SEE WHO’S ON THE LIST

Queensland’s building watchdog has launched a new blitz on the state’s recalcitrant builders with more than 120 told to stop undertaking new jobs until they prove their financial health.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) said 129 trade licensees had been hit with conditions preventing them from providing tenders or quotes as well as doing new work until they provided updated annual financial information.

QBCC commissioner Brett Bassett said the annual financial reporting system provided homeowners with reassurance that builders had the financial resources to complete projects. “Similarly, subcontractors and suppliers can be more assured that they are doing business with viable operators,” said Mr Bassett.

The targeted builders are classified by the QBCC as level one and two licensees meaning they have an allowable turnover of $800,001 or less. The builders must lodge the information by July 8 or face suspension or cancellation of their licences.

“Reporting allows us to monitor the financial viability of small businesses and means we can step in sooner if there is a risk that the licensee is operating above their means,” said Mr Bassett. “The majority of licensees have lodged their reporting but those who haven’t could face regulatory action that starts with licence conditions and could end with cancellation.”

The 129 licensees are in addition to the 84 who had the same conditions applied in June. The QBCC suspended 136 licences in May, but a number had since met requirements.

Mr Bassett said the QBCC had issued repeated reminders about lodging financial reports on time since the requirement came into force in January 2019.

He said the watchdog was focusing on repeat offenders who had failed to lodge their financial information last year, and again this year.

“Queenslanders expect the QBCC to take action against those tradies who aren’t complying with the law,” he said.

“Taking this action helps give consumers peace of mind that when they do hire a tradie, it’s someone who complies with the law.

“Last year was the first time these particular licensees had to comply with the new financial requirements, and the QBCC took an educative and facilitative approach to help them understand the changes.

Overall, there are 6470 recalcitrant building trade licensees in Queensland who are in the QBCC’s firing line.

Last week, the QBCC named 61 self-certifying category 1 and 2 licensees who had twice failed to submit their annual financial records to the QBCC and have been told to stop quoting for new jobs until they submit their financial paperwork.