Mr Cameron Dowel appeared in the Holland Park Magistrates Court on Friday, 7 July 2023 in a matter brought by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
Mr Dowel pleaded guilty to one offence of unlicensed contracting, contrary to section 42(1) of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (Qld).
The court imposed a significant fine of $10,000.00 and recorded a conviction. The defendant was also ordered to pay costs in the amount of $1,000.00 to the QBCC.
The QBCC brought the charge against the unlicenced builder after he failed to complete a carport job in September 2020, despite the home owner paying a substantial sum of money for the work.
QBCC Interim Commissioner Angela Masson says the building regulator has a zero tolerance for unlicensed activity.
“Performing unlicensed work is a serious offence, and there are significant penalties for anyone caught doing it without an appropriate licence,” says Ms Masson.
“This outcome shows home owners that the QBCC is here to protect and safeguard them from unlicensed operators.
“At the same time, we are also maintaining a level playing field for our qualified, experienced licensees, who pay their fees and take out the appropriate insurance for work, by taking action against unlicensed operators working in their space.”
Interim Commissioner Masson says the case serves as a reminder to home owners of the importance of using a QBCC-licensed contractor when building or renovating.
“The QBCC urges all members of the public to only use licensed contractors for their building project, regardless of the size of the project."
For peace of mind, a free licence search tool is available on the QBCC website to help you check if an individual or company holds the appropriate licence for the work they are quoting for. Visit the QBCC website for information on choosing a contractor.
You can also phone the QBCC on 139 333 to check if a person is licensed.