The prosecutions resulted in both individuals being convicted and fined more than $22,000, with one offender ordered to pay compensation to a home owner totalling more than $10,000.
Both individuals' charges involved unlawful building work, excessive deposit demands and non‑compliant contracting practices, with both matters highlighting the serious consequences of deliberately operating outside Queensland’s building laws.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner, Angelo Lambrinos, said the outcomes reinforced the QBCC’s commitment to upholding regulatory standards and maintaining a fair and lawful building industry.
“These prosecutions are about protecting home owners from individuals who are breaking the law, and supporting licensees who invest the time, training and resources to meet their regulatory obligations,” Mr Lambrinos said.
“Prosecutions for deposit offences almost doubled in 2025 compared to 2024 and with these two latest outcomes, I cannot emphasise enough the importance for home owners to understand the maximum deposit limits and to not pay excessive deposit amounts or pay ahead of time for building work.
"The QBCC’s Home Owner Hub provides guidance on deposit amounts relevant to the cost of the job as well as information on how to avoid other common pitfalls we see home owners face, in their building or renovation project.”
Christopher John Ravaillion appeared in the Caboolture Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to carrying out building work without a licence, commencing work without a compliant regulated contract, and demanding and receiving an excessive deposit. He was fined $5,000.
Christopher Michael Bernard Bostock was convicted in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court for carrying out building work without a licence and demanding and receiving an excessive deposit. He was fined $17,500 and order to pay $10,963.96 in compensation to the home owner.
Mr Lambrinos also urged Queensland home owners to undertake due diligence before entering into any building or renovation project.
“Home owners should always check that their contractor is appropriately licensed, check reviews and seek references from a contractor as well as ensuring a compliant written contract is in place before work starts,” Mr Lambrinos said.
“Taking these steps upfront significantly reduces the risk of financial loss, disputes and incomplete work.”
Practical guidance on licensing, contracts, deposit limits and consumer protections is available through the QBCC’s Home Owner Hub and public Licensee Register.
