Consumer crackdown sees builder cop $25,500 fine

A builder was ordered to pay $25,500 in compensation for not completing work he had charged for, following an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the outcome was a reminder to traders of their responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

“The Office of Fair Trading will continue to investigate and take appropriate action against any trader who accepts payment for goods or services and fails to supply them,” Ms Fentiman said.

Ms Fentiman also said it was a timely reminder to Queenslanders to contact the Office of Fair Trading if they feel their consumer rights have been breached.

“These investigations can only happen if Queenslanders come forward when they fall victim to business’ doing the wrong thing,” she said. 

The builder, Evan Neil Wesche had taken payment for a two-bedroom cabin build but then failed to complete any work or provide a refund.

In April 2019, Mr Wesche took a $20,500 deposit for the construction of a two-bedroom cabin and even though he said build would take six to eight weeks to complete, the consumer was still without the cabin in October 2019 as Mr Wesche failed to complete any work or provide a refund to the consumer.

Mr Wesche was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $20,500 in compensation, as well as court costs.

If consumers have paid for goods or services they have not received, they are encouraged to make a complaint to the OFT either online at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

ENDS

Media contact: Inga Williams (Attorney-General’s office) 0439 949 719

All other enquiries: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

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