The Rapid Assess and Triage Team (RATT), established in March 2026, is an internal initiative and part of the QBCC’s commitment to get back to the brilliant basics. Designed to address delays where decision-ready applications were sitting in queues, the team is helping remove bottlenecks and streamline the licensing process.
The result is a practical, measurable improvement for both applicants and the broader system.
Between March and May, RATT finalised almost 1,000 applications, freeing up teams to focus on more complex matters and improving the overall flow of applications across the QBCC’s Licensing Division.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner, Angelo Lambrinos, said the initiative reflected a broader commitment to common-sense reform.
“This is a clear example of how we’re working to make it easier to do business with us. By removing unnecessary delays and focusing our effort where it adds the most value, we’re delivering faster outcomes for licensees and the wider building and construction industry, while continuing to work as a collaborative regulator alongside industry.”
Faster decisions, better communication, satisfied customers
For licensees and for Queensland, faster processing means getting more people on the tools sooner to help deliver the state’s impressive pipeline of building projects.
RATT maintains an average processing time of under 10 days and proactively contacts applicants early, either to request further information or confirm application outcomes. We are also pleased to share that our overall licensing timeframes across 80 odd licence types is sitting at an average of 25 days against our 30 day target, and with our RATT team now on board, they are actively clearing decision-ready applications from queues, enabling faster progression and contributing to improved end-to-end processing times. This ensures applicants are informed, supported and not left waiting without updates.
The improved experience is already being reflected in customer feedback.
“Turnaround time was much quicker than I expected, which is very helpful for me to start contracting. Overall very, very happy with the service provided.”
Another newly licensed contractor said:
“The process was efficient, professional, and greatly exceeded my expectations. I look forward to building my business and making the most of this opportunity.”
These responses highlight a clear shift in customer experience, with many applicants expressing surprise at the speed and responsiveness of the process.
Working smarter to streamline the system
As well as processing applications, the team plays a key triage role, identifying matters that appear decision-ready but require further investigation.
Detailed triage notes are recorded and passed on, allowing other QBCC teams to quickly identify required actions, reducing duplication and progressing applications more efficiently.
This approach is also strengthening internal capability, supporting newer staff and improving consistency in the QBCC’s decision-making across the state.
A practical step forward
RATT is a practical example of the QBCC’s transformation journey in action.
By focusing on faster decisions, clearer communication and smarter workflows, the initiative is helping to reduce red tape while maintaining strong regulatory standards.
With a high proportion of applications resulting in approvals, the team is delivering consistent, positive outcomes and improving how the QBCC supports licensees across Queensland.
As further improvements continue, initiatives like this demonstrate how targeted changes can deliver real benefits for customers, industry and the broader building and construction sector.
As the QBCC continues its transformation journey, initiatives like RATT demonstrate how practical improvements are delivering more timely, transparent and customer-focused services. Work is ongoing to further streamline QBCC processes to help deliver a more efficient, responsive building and construction industry.
