Officers from the QBCC conducted more than 130 licence checks at 50 active building sites recently, with their latest proactive action to protect Maryborough property owners from the risks of unlicensed building work.
They uncovered two individuals suspected of performing unlicensed building work, while another licensee is suspected of engaging an unlicensed individual to perform work.
The QBCC is entrusted with regulating the state’s $69 billion building and construction industry and these audits form part of its proactive approach to compliance and enforcement to uphold industry standards, protect home owners, and support licensees who want to do the right thing.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner, Angelo Lambrinos, said the regulator remained committed to a fair and transparent approach to compliance but would take strong action when individuals breached the law.
“Most of our licensees take great pride in what they do and want to do the right thing,” he said.
“In 2024-25, the vast majority (more than 90%) of licensees operated responsibly, reinforcing Queensland’s reputation for quality work and trustworthy tradespeople.
“QBCC audits in 2025 found a non‑compliance rate of less than 1%, reinforcing Queensland’s reputation for quality work and trustworthy tradespeople, however even one case of deliberate or repeat non‑compliance is one too many, which is why the QBCC will unapologetically enforce the law where someone knowingly or repeatedly does the wrong thing,” Mr Lambrinos said.
For licensees, enforcement protects reputations, because those who do the wrong thing reflect badly on those working hard to do the right thing. For home owners, it is important to know that using an unlicensed contractor increases the likelihood of defective and unfinished work.
Information for home owners
Home owners are strongly encouraged to do their due diligence:
- Check the QBCC licence register. This free online tool allows consumers to confirm whether a person is appropriately licensed and to review their compliance history.
- Get more than one quote and understand what work is actually required.
- Understand allowable deposits: Know the legal limits for deposits before signing a contract.
- Ensure contracts are in place: Always have a written, dated and signed contract before any building work begins.
- Use the Home Owner Hub: the QBCC’s online Home Owner Hub is a free, practical five-step guide to building and renovating in Queensland.
