Victorian Building Authority claws back $2m in unpaid fines from dodgy tradies

Shonky home builders and plumbers have coughed up $2m in unpaid fines under a crackdown by the state regulator.

The state’s building regulator has clawed back $2 million in unpaid fines from shoddy builders and plumbers over the past two years.

Dozens of companies and individuals have been taken to court to pay up under the legal crackdown, which is for non-compliant work, fraudulent conduct, and licence breaches.

The Herald Sun recently revealed the Victorian Building Authority had hit Aycon Constructions with a record $250,000 fine for flouting insurance requirements and faking policy documents.

Dozens of companies and individuals have been taken to court to pay up. Picture: Liam Kidston

This fine has yet to be paid, meaning further action to recover that money will be required.

More than a quarter of the $2 million recovered was from plumbers.

The VBA says the crackdown is part of wider reforms it is introducing to “prioritise and protect consumers and improve the VBA’s regulatory effectiveness”.

The watchdog has had an overhaul in the past few months after its board was dissolved following reviews of its effectiveness and culture.

Commissioner and chief executive at the VBA, Anna Cronin, said the regulator’s message to builders and others in the industry was “crystal clear”.

“A penalty is not just a piece of paper – we will pursue you through the courts if you don’t pay up,” she said.

“Collecting these fines and holding builders and plumbers to account drives better performance and conduct and also acts as a deterrent.”

“The VBA takes a risk-based approach to compliance and enforcement – improving consumer outcomes by directing resources to the areas that pose the greatest harm to building owners and occupiers.”

The money recovered includes smaller amounts totalling $63,000 that was owed by 15 companies, while there were 30 individuals who owed a total of $526,000.

Some of the fines relate to ignoring orders to fix substandard work, such as shoddy drainage, poorly fitted floorboards or decking, and balcony defects.