Published Monday, 08 September, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
THREE MARYBOROUGH CONTRACTORS INDENTIFIED IN BSA LICENCE BLITZ
A Queensland Building Services Authority licensing blitz of building and construction tradespeople in Maryborough has found three contractors working without the correct licence, Public Works and Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said today.
Mr Schwarten said a random sample of 100 contractors was selected and interviewed during the audit, which was conducted on Maryborough building sites.
“To find only three contractors working without the right licence is a great result and shows that the overwhelming majority of Maryborough contractors are doing the right thing and having the proper licence for the type of work they are performing,” Mr Schwarten said.
The licensing blitz in Maryborough was part of a state-wide effort that saw the licences of more than 3,100 contractors checked.
“Queensland has the most rigorous regulatory framework of any state, designed to provide the best possible protection for our consumers, and the Bligh Government makes no apology for that,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The residential construction industry in this state is valued at more than $12 billion.
“Rogue contractors without the right licence who try to make a quick buck in this industry had better think again.”
Contractors licensed with the BSA have met rigorous experience, technical, managerial and financial standards. Under the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991, all builders, building designers and trade contractors must be licensed to carry out building work.
Licensing audits target all types of building work in all areas of Queensland and are conducted randomly to allow BSA to assess the level of unlicensed contracting in the industry.
Mr Schwarten said the audit noted an increase in unlicensed work being done in the areas of plumbing, drainage, painting and decorating trade classes.
“The BSA has the ability to issue fines of up to $1,500 to any contractor found to be working without the appropriate licence,” Mr Schwarten said.
“For more serious breeches, the BSA can take action in the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal seeking even larger penalties.”
Mr Schwarten said the audits received wide-ranging support from licensed contractors and industry associations.
“Contractors and industry associations get behind the audits because they, like the government, want to see those few rogue contractors weeded out of the local industry,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Home owners are encouraged to engage only licensed contractors who have proven they have the skills and training to obtain a licence.”
Members of the public can check to see if a contractor has a current and appropriate licence by using the BSA’s free online licence search facility at www.bsa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832. Justin Coomber (BSA) on (07) 3404 3027
Mr Schwarten said a random sample of 100 contractors was selected and interviewed during the audit, which was conducted on Maryborough building sites.
“To find only three contractors working without the right licence is a great result and shows that the overwhelming majority of Maryborough contractors are doing the right thing and having the proper licence for the type of work they are performing,” Mr Schwarten said.
The licensing blitz in Maryborough was part of a state-wide effort that saw the licences of more than 3,100 contractors checked.
“Queensland has the most rigorous regulatory framework of any state, designed to provide the best possible protection for our consumers, and the Bligh Government makes no apology for that,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The residential construction industry in this state is valued at more than $12 billion.
“Rogue contractors without the right licence who try to make a quick buck in this industry had better think again.”
Contractors licensed with the BSA have met rigorous experience, technical, managerial and financial standards. Under the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991, all builders, building designers and trade contractors must be licensed to carry out building work.
Licensing audits target all types of building work in all areas of Queensland and are conducted randomly to allow BSA to assess the level of unlicensed contracting in the industry.
Mr Schwarten said the audit noted an increase in unlicensed work being done in the areas of plumbing, drainage, painting and decorating trade classes.
“The BSA has the ability to issue fines of up to $1,500 to any contractor found to be working without the appropriate licence,” Mr Schwarten said.
“For more serious breeches, the BSA can take action in the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal seeking even larger penalties.”
Mr Schwarten said the audits received wide-ranging support from licensed contractors and industry associations.
“Contractors and industry associations get behind the audits because they, like the government, want to see those few rogue contractors weeded out of the local industry,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Home owners are encouraged to engage only licensed contractors who have proven they have the skills and training to obtain a licence.”
Members of the public can check to see if a contractor has a current and appropriate licence by using the BSA’s free online licence search facility at www.bsa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832. Justin Coomber (BSA) on (07) 3404 3027