Helensvale-based builder QNV Constructions on Gold Coast has licence suspended for failing to pay subcontractors and suppliers

A Gold Coast home builder formerly in the top 50 in Australia has been suspended from the industry for failing to pay subbies and suppliers.

A GOLD COAST home builder formerly in the top 50 in Australia has been suspended from the industry for failing to pay subbies and suppliers.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission announced today it has suspended the building licence of Helensvale-based QNV Constructions (Qld), which is headed up by chief executive Chris Eaton.

The industry regulator said QNV failed to comply with financial requirements, including not paying moneys owed to subcontractors and suppliers totalling more than $174,000 following 11 complaints.

QBCC Commissioner Brett Bassett said it first suspended the builder’s licence in December last year.

“On December 7 2018, QNV Constructions (Qld) exercised its right to dispute the action in QCAT, and the tribunal ruled in favour of upholding the suspension on January 15 this year,” he said.

QBCC Commissioner Brett Bassett

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He said the QBCC has managed to recover $75,111.11 of the total $174,239.73 owed subcontractors and suppliers.

“QNV Constructions (Qld) is a Category 3 company, meaning its total value of work can be between $12 million and $30 million each year,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how big you are. If you don’t pay your subcontractors and suppliers on time, you may face disciplinary action.”

Mr Bassett said QNV Constructions (Qld) also failed to comply with a financial audit late last year.

“The QBCC started an audit of the company to determine whether it met financial requirements,” he said.

“The company failed to provide the financial information within the legislated time frames.”

QNV lists a number of current and completed projects on its website.

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He said the regulator will consider lifting the licence suspension if QNV demonstrates that it complies with the financial requirements.

QNV, which was listed at No.47 in a list of Australia’s top 100 builders by the Housing Industry of Australia last year, lists a number of current and completed projects on its website.

They include Silkstone Residences in Ipswich and Highlands Estate in Tasmania.

QBCC’s move comes as the Ipswich franchisee of GJ Gardner collapsed leaving 14 homes unfinished and scores of tradies unpaid.

Maroochydore-based Lusso Concepts went into liquidation earlier this week owing more than $250,000 and leaving homes unfinished. More than 1400 companies in the state’s construction sector that have failed in the last five years.