Hampton Home Builders director Karen Robinson challenges QBCC suspension

A glamorous socialite, who heads a Gympie construction company, has challenged the State construction watchdog’s decision to suspend its licence.

Gympie company Hampton Home Builders has had a win with their licence reinstated by the State construction following a six-day suspension.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission reactivated the company’s licence Wednesday, putting an end to the freeze brought about by Hampton’s failure to satisfy financial requirements.

Hampton director and fashionista Karen Robinson, a prominent personality both in the community and on Instagram through her Hampton and Harlow Equestrian business, said on Tuesday the “matter is now in litigation mode”.

No further comment was given.

Hampton Home Builders’ licence was suspended by the QBCC on November 11 for failing to satisfy financial requirements.

A QBCC spokesman said the financial requirements were there to “help ensure building contractors in Queensland have a strong and financially sustainable business with an appropriate level of working capital”.

“These measures help to protect homeowners when they contract with licensees and ensure subbies and suppliers get paid,” he said.

It was the second time the QBCC suspended Hampton Home Builders’ licence.

It was put on hold for two days in October 2020, for failing to comply with an audit.

The suspension is the second time the QBCC has frozen the company’s licence following a two-day halt in October last year which director John David said at the time was triggered by a request to expand the company’s turnover.

That freeze was triggered by an application to expand its turnover limit, director John David said at the time.

“With this brings a lot of supporting documentation QBCC requires to reassure the body that you can fulfil your increase in your licence,” Mr David said.

Hampton Home Builders has built almost $19 million in residential housing across 82 jobs since 2018, QBCC records show.

In January 2021, the company was fined $1334 and penalised four demerit points for charging too much for a home deposit.

Originally published as Hampton Home Builders director Karen Robinson challenges QBCC suspension