Record numbers of building contractors doing the right thing

In its latest licence “blitz” the Building Services Authority has found the lowest number of unlicensed contractors since it began audits in 2004.

BSA interviewed 3633 contractors at 927 different sites across the State and found only 1.5% of contractors were suspected of working without an appropriate licence.

Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology Robert Schwarten said this low rate of unlicensed contracting was well below the historical average of 2-3% across the State.

“Almost all regions in Queensland recorded a drop in suspected unlicensed contractors since the last audit was conducted in May this year,” Mr Schwarten said.

“This is an excellent result and shows that 98.5% of Queensland contractors are doing the right thing and BSA’s message is getting through.”

Mr Schwarten said the Brisbane region had also shown an improvement in unlicensed contracting.

“Only 2.4% of contractors interviewed in the Brisbane region were suspected of unlicensed contracting, which is well below the 4.2% found at the last audit and is within the State average,” he said.

Mr Schwarten emphasised the importance of using a BSA-licensed contractor.

“BSA has a saying: ‘if they can’t show you their licence, show them the door’.

“Homeowners should only hire contractors that are appropriately licensed to do building work on their most valuable asset – their home,” he said.

Mr Schwarten said homeowners can check to see if a contractor has a current and appropriate licence by using BSA’s free online licence search facility at www.bsa.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 BSA BSA.

BSA general manager Ian Jennings said the licence audits (or “blitzes”) actively discouraged unlicensed operators, and helped the skilled and licensed contractors achieve a level playing field.

“A BSA licence proves to homeowners that a contractor has the skills, experience and training to meet BSA’s rigorous licensing requirements.

“BSA’s 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 Jennings said.

If you have any building or licence-related questions, call 1300 BSA BSA or visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au.

Media contacts: Minister’s office: 3237 1832
BSA: Justin Coomber 3404 3027