INDUSTRY NEWS
CONTRACTOR DEMERIT POINTS INCREASED 15 PER CENT
INTERSTATE TRADIES BUILD ON SUNSHINE STATE NUMBERS Tradies have flocked to the Sunshine State over the past 18 months, with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) experiencing its biggest jump in licensee numbers in more than five years. The number of tradies moving from New South Wales and Victoria to Queensland has increased significantly since 2016, with 408 licensees in 2021 compared to 283 in 2016 (New South Wales) and 161 licensees in 2021 compared to 85 in 2016 (Victoria). Licensees play an important role in carrying out quality building work to the appropriate standards to ensure the safety of all Queenslanders. QBCC Interim Commissioner Richard Cassidy said Queensland’s building and construction industry has remained strong during the pandemic. “Queensland has been the place to be during the pandemic, and we’ve kept building sites open across our great state,” he said. “Tradies in Australia have jumped at the chance to share in our building confidence, deciding to move north for the career opportunities we have to offer.” Mr Cassidy said tradies moving to Queensland from interstate or New Zealand could apply for a QBCC licence under the Mutual Recognition Act. The QBCC approved a total of 821 mutual recognition licences from Australian states and territories and New Zealand in 2021, compared to 795 in 2020 and 578 in 2016. Under the mutual recognition pathway, a licensee from another Australian jurisdiction or New Zealand notifies the QBCC of their intention to carry out building work in Queensland. The QBCC is required to issue the mutual recognition applicant with a QBCC licence in the appropriate equivalent class of work within one month of receiving such a notification. “A building boom means trade contractors are currently in high demand, which is good for the economy and good for the building industry,” Mr Cassidy said. Trades, including builders, cabinet makers, carpenters, bricklayers, concreters, gasfitters, and airconditioning and refrigerator mechanics have joined the list moving to Queensland. Further information about Mutual Recognition can be found at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.
Helping plumbers get back on-site quicker is our trade.
Contractors issued with demerit points for breaches of legislation increased in 2020/21, with Queensland’s building industry watchdog issuing demerit points to almost 600 contractors. This was a 15 per cent increase on the previous year, with 596 Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licensees issued 4,696 demerit points in 2020/21. Former QBCC Commissioner Brett Bassett said a combination of a review and implementation of new processes attributed to the demerit points increase and a crackdown on licensees who failed to rectify defects. “We were able to take action quicker against those licensees not doing the right thing, and in turn, demerit points increased because we had a greater presence in the industry,” he said. “The demerit point system is designed to encourage change. They are recorded on the public register to serve as a warning to homeowners, subcontractors, and suppliers and to encourage licensees to comply with their legislative obligations.” Demerit points ranged from contractual offences, failure to rectify defects, carrying out work without a nominee, and failing to pay insurance premiums. He said the threat of demerit points should be a deterrent for contractors who didn’t abide by the legislation. A person who accumulates 30 demerit points within a three-year period will face disqualification from holding a QBCC licence for three years. In October 2020, demerit point allocation and disqualification procedures were also introduced for certifier licences. For more information visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.
When it comes to plumbing supplies, Bunnings Trade is here to help your business. From pipes and fittings to hot water systems, we’ve got your next job covered. Plus we make it easy to get what you need with 64 stores across Queensland, convenient trading hours and on-site delivery. To find out more, talk to your local Trade Specialist at the Bunnings Trade Desk.
Helping business is our trade. MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Summer 2021 |
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