$15,000 FINE FOR UNLICENSED CONTRACTING

Deception Bay company Newby Enterprises Pty Ltd has been fined $15,000 and ordered to pay court costs for performing unlicensed tiling and waterproofing work, Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology Robert Schwarten said today.

Mr Schwarten said the Queensland Building Services Authority (BSA) prosecuted Mr Newby and the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal handed down the sentence against him recently.

He said the case showed that the BSA would get tough on building contractors who do the wrong thing.

“This is a great result for the honest builders and contractors who are appropriately licensed,” Mr Schwarten said.

“This case sends the message to any rogues in the industry who might try to perform building work for which they are not licensed that it is not worth the risk.

“It also highlights the risks consumers take if they engage an unlicensed building contractor. Substandard work performed by unlicensed contractors can leave consumers with costly rectification bills.”

When handing down the sentence, the Magistrate said the respondent’s explanation as to its unlicensed contracting lacked credibility.

BSA general manager Ian Jennings warned builders and residents in South East Queensland not to engage Newby Enterprises to perform any building work.

“Building work valued in excess of $1100 must be performed by a BSA licence holder. This applies to a range of trades including tiling and waterproofing,” he said.

He also reminded consumers to ask trade contractors and builders to show their BSA licence card. If they can’t show you their licence… show them the door!

Mr Jennings said on-line licence searches could be conducted by visiting www.bsa.qld.gov.au

Media contacts: Minister's office – David Shankey 3237 1184
                            BSA – Heidi Jones 3225 2996.