Palaszczuk Government delivers win-win for tradies and consumers

Queensland’s Building and Construction Commission will ramp up support for Queensland tradies to ensure they benefit from Queensland’s building boom.

Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said tradies would reap the benefits of the 83 percent increase in building approvals in Queensland because of the industry reforms implemented by the Palaszczuk Government.

“Underpinning Queensland’s economic recovery plan is more than $11 billion in initiatives to keep Queenslanders in jobs.

“It includes the $100 million Works for Tradies social housing construction stimulus, $106 million to stimulate the building market for new homes as well as up to $100 million in small business grants to help sustain small businesses so they can respond quickly post COVID-19.

Mr de Brenni said the QBCC will step up resources and provide free information sessions for Queensland tradies, especially those small businesses in Self-Certifying Categories 1 and 2, to make sure that they have the tools they need to benefit from this building boom.

“The QBCC upholds the standards within this $45 billion industry to make sure that tradies and small business can get paid in full, on time, every time.

“QBCC Tradie Tours are filling up fast and I’d encourage tradies to book now and secure themselves a ticket, however a spot will be made for every single licensee who needs assistance.

QBCC Commissioner Brett Bassett said the seminars would provide an overview of the reporting process and tips on avoiding common mistakes when lodging financial reports.

“The seminars will explain new financial reporting for licensees in Self-Certifying Categories 1 and 2, who are required to lodge their information by 31 March to stay licensed,” Mr Bassett said.

“The industry collaborated to redesign financial reporting to help ensure the financial sustainability of the industry and the businesses and tradies who operate within it.

“These requirements were introduced to reduce financial failure, liquidations and bankruptcy within the industry, and ensure that people get paid for the work they do,” he said.

Mr de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government was making sure Queenslanders investing in a new home or major renovation as a result of the COVID19 Economic Recovery Plan could be assured their licensed builder is financially sound.

“The Palaszczuk Government has given the QBCC stronger powers to help it oversee and enforce compliance with the financial framework to protect both homeowners and tradies, and is working with industry to promote awareness and understanding of the reforms.

“Already, Minimum Financial Requirement reporting has seen $1.2 billion of working capital injected into the Queensland Building and Construction industry last year,” Mr de Brenni said.

“That’s money being re-invested in tradies and small businesses whether it’s a new ute, upgrading the tools or taking on apprentices, but ultimately it means peace of mind for investors.

“Over $1.4 billion worth of investment has flowed through over 347 Project Trust Account projects since 2018 ensuring that thousands of Queensland tradies got paid on time and the buildings were top quality.

“Additionally, from 1 March, more robust Project Trust Accounts will be phased in—providing greater protections for tradies, and more oversight for the QBCC to better support the industry.”

Tradie Tour schedule of events:

•         2 March – Toowoomba

•         8 March – Gold Coast

•         9 March – Mackay

•         10 March – Rockhampton

•         16 March – Brisbane South, Loganholme

•         17 March – Cairns

•         18 March – Townsville

•         22 March – Sunshine Coast

•         23 March – Hervey Bay

•         29 March – Brisbane North, Virginia

To register attendance visit the events page on the QBCC website.

ENDS

Media contact: Rosie Gilbert 0466 834 330