When you might get audited
Notifiable work can be audited by the QBCC to check it is compliant with registration and technical requirements. Local government also conducts inspections to check that plumbing work meets the relevant codes and standards.
QBCC audits of notifiable work
The QBCC regularly conducts audits of notifiable work activity and its registration with the QBCC.
QBCC approved audit program of notifiable work
Under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (PD Act), the QBCC may audit licensees to determine if they have been complying with the requirements for notifiable work.
What happens during an audit?
If the QBCC audits your work, you will receive a notice to provide documents. The QBCC then checks the documents to ensure that notifiable work has been registered.
Current QBCC approved audit program
The following audit program is established to take place between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
This notice of an approved audit program is published in accordance with section 47(4) of the PD Act.
Purpose
Monitor compliance with the notifiable work laws under section 83 of the PD Act.
Duration
The audit period is set to start on 1 July 2022 and conclude on 30 June 2023.
Criteria for licensees
All licensees, of the listed classes below, who may perform regulated plumbing and drainage work in Queensland, including notifiable work, may be randomly selected for audit.
Licensees may also be chosen based on information received by the QBCC through its monitoring activities, including digital monitoring and based on information received from external parties, industry forums, or from the plumbing and drainage contractor licence list held by the QBCC.
Licence classes subject to this audit program
- Plumbers
- Drainers
- Restricted licensees.
Notice to licensees of selection for audit
Licensees will be advised in writing if they have been selected for audit. The primary contact will be through email wherever possible.
Licensee obligations if selected for audit
Licensees selected for audit must comply with the request for information (“notice”) and supply documents or information required to determine the licensee’s compliance with section 83 of the PD Act. The licensee must comply with the notice even though complying might tend to incriminate the licensee or expose the licensee to a penalty.
Local government inspections of notifiable work
By arrangement with the QBCC, local governments may also audit notifiable work within their local government area.
A licensee or owner/occupier may also contact the local government directly to request an inspection of the work. In this case, fees may apply.
From local government?
Are you from local government and looking to search for notifiable work to audit? Local governments can search for notifiable work (Form 4/4a) on the self-service portal myQBCC.
You will need to request an account from us. Send your details to notifiablework@qbcc.qld.gov.au requesting an account set-up. We require the following details:
- first name and surname of the user
- a local government individual email address (i.e. cannot be a generic or group email, and it must end in 'qld.gov.au'. For example, name@yourcouncil.qld.gov.au is the acceptable format.
- your business telephone numbers, e.g. landline and mobile
- name of the local government entity.
Once your account has been created you will receive a 'Welcome to myQBCC' email from us advising that we have created an account for you. You can then login to myQBCC and get started.
Consequence for non-compliance
Penalties
The QBCC will apply a range of penalties on an individual who performs or is responsible for work that is:
- non-compliant
- defective
- performed without an appropriate licence or endorsement
Local government 'action notice'
If a local government finds non-compliant plumbing and drainage work in the course of a notifiable work audit inspection, they may issue an 'action notice'.
Repeat offences
Individuals who repeatedly place Queenslanders at risk by performing either unlicensed or non-compliant plumbing or drainage work and who endanger health and safety will face:
- increased penalties for second or third offences
- up to one year in jail for a third conviction.
Find out more about the consequences for non-compliance.