Published Tuesday, 02 September, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Apprentice Fined for False Licence Claims
An Ebbw Vale apprentice has been fined $5000 by the Ipswich Magistrates Court after misrepresenting himself as a fully qualified painter with decades of experience in local newspaper advertisements.
Terry Stephen Smith, a 51-year-old apprentice painter and decorator, was found guilty of six breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1989 and ordered to pay court costs in addition to the fine.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said Mr Smith advertised his painting services on numerous occasions dating back to 2006.
“Office of Fair Trading inspectors investigated Mr Smith after the Building Services Authority (BSA) received a complaint from a member of the public,” Mr Shine said.
“This man falsely represented himself in three local newspapers as a fully qualified and licensed tradesman with many years experience, offering to paint local residents’ homes.
“Some of the advertisements claimed he had 35 years’ experience and included false contact names and numbers.
“Investigators found he used false BSA licence numbers belonging to other traders without their consent.
“Two of the BSA licence numbers he used had actually expired in 1995.”
On Wednesday Mr Smith was also fined $2750 in the Brisbane Magistrates Court for failing to respond to a notice to provide information under the Fair Trading Act 1989.
“Under the Fair Trading Act 1989, it is illegal for traders to make false or misleading representations about their services.
“This is to protect both the consumer and other traders who are doing the right thing.
“The vast majority of traders are licensed and do a great job.
“As a consumer, you should always ask to see the trader's licence and carry out a licence search with the BSA to make sure they are qualified to do the job.
“If you are not sure about the trader, don’t give them the job and don’t hand over any money.”
To do an online BSA licence search visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au or contact the BSA on 1300 272 272.
If you believe a trader has misled or deceived you about their qualifications, or claimed an affiliation they do not have, lodge a complaint at with Fair Trading on 13 13 04 or www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273.
Terry Stephen Smith, a 51-year-old apprentice painter and decorator, was found guilty of six breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1989 and ordered to pay court costs in addition to the fine.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said Mr Smith advertised his painting services on numerous occasions dating back to 2006.
“Office of Fair Trading inspectors investigated Mr Smith after the Building Services Authority (BSA) received a complaint from a member of the public,” Mr Shine said.
“This man falsely represented himself in three local newspapers as a fully qualified and licensed tradesman with many years experience, offering to paint local residents’ homes.
“Some of the advertisements claimed he had 35 years’ experience and included false contact names and numbers.
“Investigators found he used false BSA licence numbers belonging to other traders without their consent.
“Two of the BSA licence numbers he used had actually expired in 1995.”
On Wednesday Mr Smith was also fined $2750 in the Brisbane Magistrates Court for failing to respond to a notice to provide information under the Fair Trading Act 1989.
“Under the Fair Trading Act 1989, it is illegal for traders to make false or misleading representations about their services.
“This is to protect both the consumer and other traders who are doing the right thing.
“The vast majority of traders are licensed and do a great job.
“As a consumer, you should always ask to see the trader's licence and carry out a licence search with the BSA to make sure they are qualified to do the job.
“If you are not sure about the trader, don’t give them the job and don’t hand over any money.”
To do an online BSA licence search visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au or contact the BSA on 1300 272 272.
If you believe a trader has misled or deceived you about their qualifications, or claimed an affiliation they do not have, lodge a complaint at with Fair Trading on 13 13 04 or www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273.