What’s Happening?
Two individuals are suspected of undertaking unlicensed contracting work following a three-day compliance operation across Rockhampton.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) detected the suspected activity while conducting licence checks at active construction sites throughout the region.
The operation formed part of the regulator’s ongoing compliance program, which verifies that building work is performed by appropriately licensed practitioners. Investigations into the alleged unlicensed contracting activities are continuing.
Why It Matters
The QBCC conducts compliance inspections to maintain professional standards in Queensland’s building and construction industry. These checks also aim to protect homeowners and support licensed practitioners who meet their legal responsibilities.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner Angelo Lambrinos said accountability was important to the industry.
“Queensland’s building and construction industry relies on integrity, professionalism and accountability,” Mr Lambrinos said.
He also highlighted the regulator’s approach to education and enforcement.
“We believe education and early engagement are powerful tools when it comes to ensuring licensees understand and meet their responsibilities. However, we will take strong regulatory action when individuals deliberately and repeatedly operate outside the licensing framework.”
Local Impact
The Rockhampton operation focused on checking whether individuals working at active construction sites held the appropriate licences.
Although two individuals were identified for suspected unlicensed contracting, the QBCC confirmed that investigations were continuing. For homeowners engaging builders, the regulator recommends checking the QBCC licence register before proceeding with building work.
The free online register allows homeowners to confirm whether a contractor holds the appropriate licence and review their compliance history.
By The Numbers
- Almost 60: Licence checks conducted during the Rockhampton compliance operation.
- 28: Active construction sites inspected across the region.
- Just over 1%: The rate of unlicensed offending identified during QBCC compliance inspections at active building sites across Queensland in 2025–26.
Zoom In
The QBCC’s statewide compliance program combines education and early engagement with regulatory action when necessary.
According to Lambrinos, audit results consistently show high levels of compliance among licensees across Queensland.
“The QBCC compliance inspections conducted at active building sites during 2025-26 found the rate of unlicensed offending was just over one per cent. While this represents a small minority of cases, any instance of unlicensed building work is unacceptable and remains a concern,” Mr Lambrinos said.
The regulator maintains that identifying potential non-compliance is an important part of ensuring building work is undertaken by appropriately licensed individuals.
Zoom Out
The Rockhampton inspections form part of the QBCC’s broader statewide compliance program, which aims to maintain industry standards and consumer confidence.
Beyond detecting potential licensing breaches, the program also reinforces professional responsibilities among building practitioners.
Lambrinos explained why the regulator continues to conduct compliance audits.
“That is why these audits are important. They help identify potential non-compliance and ensure building work is only carried out by appropriately licensed individuals.
“By holding participants to account and reinforcing professional industry standards, these activities help protect consumers and strengthen confidence in Queensland’s building and construction sector.”
What To Look For Next?
Investigations into the two individuals suspected of unlicensed contracting work in Rockhampton are continuing.
Meanwhile, the QBCC is encouraging homeowners to undertake several checks before engaging a builder.
Alongside verifying a contractor’s licence, homeowners should obtain more than one quote and understand the work required. The regulator also recommends checking the legal limits for deposits before signing a contract.
Additionally, homeowners should ensure they have a written, dated and signed contract before any building work begins.
For further guidance, the QBCC provides a free five-step guide to building and renovating through its Home Owner Hub.
