Building licences granted in Victoria using fake documents

VICTORIA Police has uncovered a rort which saw more than 400 dodgy building licences granted, with many of those given licences still operating.

Builders who obtained the licences are suspected of having performed work worth tens of millions of dollars. Generic picture: iStock

A SWEEPING review of construction projects is under way after police uncovered a rort in which more than 400 dodgy building licences were granted.

A major Victoria Police investigation has found that references were faked, work histories falsified, and bogus certificates issued in the scam.

The Herald Sun has been told builders who obtained the licences are suspected of having performed work worth tens of millions of dollars.

Their work is now being audited by inspectors from the Victorian Building Authority.

Many of those granted licences, via a Queensland authority, are still operating.

Some, desperate for work, had overseas experience not recognised in Victoria. Others were incompetent and unable to meet standards legally.

Fraud and extortion squad detectives, investigating offences including conspiracy, arrested 10 men earlier this month, and raided eight businesses and 13 homes.

More arrests were expected.

The licences were obtained between 2013 and 2015 via a broker who obtained them by applying to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.

Investigators want anyone who used a broker to get a building licence in 2013-2015 to come forward. Generic picture

Once approved in Queensland, the new licensees were able to work in Victoria under a mutual recognition scheme.

The VBA raised the alarm after becoming concerned at the high volume of such cases.

Those who bought licences from the broker are believed to have shelled out as much as a combined $10 million.

Detective Inspector Greg Bowd said that the nine-month investigation had been “very complex”.

“It is a unique investigation. We’re quietly confident of getting to the bottom of it,” Detective Insp. Bowd said.

He said investigators wanted anyone who used a broker to get a building licence in 2013-2015 to come forward.

A VBA spokesman said Victorians should be able to have confidence in the builders they engaged to construct their homes, and the VBA had zero tolerance for those who were fraudulently registered.

“For the past two years, the VBA has enforced a crackdown on projects involving these practitioners (by) inspection programs, audits and investigations,” he said.

Anyone affected could lodge a complaint, he said.

Those with information can call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au

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