Plumbing boss Jonathan Stoddart fined after signing off compliance checks from interstate

The boss of one of Australia’s largest residential plumbing companies has been fined after signing off compliance checks for three Melbourne sites while he was in Brisbane, in a case that should lead to better consumer protections.

The boss of one of Australia’s largest residential plumbing companies has been fined for signing off compliance checks from interstate in a case that should lead to better consumer protections.

Jonathan Stoddart, who owns and runs the Stoddart Group, was penalised for breaching building laws which require licensed individuals to be present at sites to sign compliance certificates.

While licensed delegates or subcontractors of a plumber can do that job, the Victorian Building Authority’s proactive inspections team found three sites in Truganina, Burnside, and Seaholme where unauthorised people were doing work.

They found that Mr Stoddart had signed off on compliance certificates at those three sites from his Brisbane headquarters.

The boss of one of Australia’s largest residential plumbing companies has been fined for breaching building laws. Stock image.

The action, which is being fought at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, could force the business to change its operating model and employ more local licensed professionals who can physically sign off on quality assessments.

The VBA’s commissioner and chief executive, Anna Cronin, said the compliance regime in home building was a crucial part of protecting consumers.

“The integrity of compliance certificates is vital in holding plumbers to account and this finding underlines their role in protecting consumers,” she said.

“This investigation shows the VBA will not tolerate practices that compromise consumer protection, no matter how big or small an operation you happen to be.

Ms Cronin said it was a timely reminder to consumers to “ensure your licensed plumber issues a compliance certificate within 5 days of completing work valued at $750 or more to protect yourself against faulty work”.

The VBA says the compliance regime plays a crucial role in protecting consumers.

Stoddart Group employs more than 500 staff and 650 subcontractors, and controls a significant portion of the home building roofing market.

It also manufactures, supplies, and installs a variety of building products across the country.

As well as breaching rules by signing off on compliance certificates from interstate, the VBA alleges a notice to fix works at Burnside was not responded to quickly enough.

At a disciplinary hearing the regulator heard Stoddart Group relied on delegations to tick off quality and compliance work, the VBA says.

It says that by not supervising work directly, Mr Stoddart signed compliance certificates that “contained misstatements of fact”.

He was fined $16,000 – just under the maximum allowed under building laws – and costs related to the inquiry.

The appeal is likely to be heard at VCAT next month, during which time the VBA says it will be monitoring Stoddart activities.

A spokesperson for the Stoddart Group said:

“We are continuing to work with the Victorian Building Authority to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.”