VBA warns consumers not to hire unregistered or unlicensed practitioners

Original Source: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/187097/VBA-warns-consumers-not-to-hire-unregistered-or-unlicensed-practitioners.pdf

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is warning consumers of the dangers of hiring unregistered or unlicensed practitioners as part of a crackdown on the illegal practice.

Teams of VBA inspectors have visited more than 1,100 building sites since mid-October with 33 unregistered workers identified. Five employers have also been found to be involved in permitting unregistered work on their building sites.

Homeowners are being warned not to hire practitioners who fail to provide proof of their qualifications and credentials for any regulated plumbing work valued at over $750 and for building jobs over $10,000.

Unregistered practitioners are often involved in jobs such as the installation of hot water systems, air conditioning units, gas fittings and the building of decks and pergolas, which can have life threatening consequences if the work is non-compliant.

Digital job-sharing platforms like Airtasker, Hipages and Facebook Marketplace have made it easier for unregistered practitioners to target consumers looking for a cheap option at a time when builders and plumbers are in short supply.

Unregistered practitioners are uninsured, unqualified and operate outside formal regulatory frameworks, leaving consumers with no course of action when something goes wrong other than a lengthy and costly fight through the courts.

The VBA’s statewide inspection blitz will continue over the coming months with the Authority’s own intelligence and data and public tip offs used to inform the locations.

The VBA is focusing on education and awareness but will not hesitate to discipline employers who allow unregistered or unlicensed practitioners to work on their sites. In the most serious cases, the VBA will prosecute unregistered practitioners through the courts with potential fines of up to $99,000 for an individual and almost half a million dollars for a company.

The VBA wants your help to stamp out this illegal practice. If you know of an unregistered builder or plumber, you can report them to us via this online tip off form: Report Unregistered Building and Unlicensed Plumbing Work

Consumers should always use a registered builder and a registered or licensed plumber. You can check if your builder and plumber are registered here: Find a Practitioner

Quotes attributable to VBA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Anna Cronin

“Unregistered practitioners are a threat to safety and can leave consumers with no course of action when their work is seriously defective.”

“Consumers need to be aware of the risks they take in hiring those without the proper registration or license; if something goes wrong their only option is court.“

Quote attributable to Master Builders CEO Michaela Lihou

“We support the VBA's crackdown on unregistered practitioners. Our members have worked hard to earn their registration and our industry and consumers both deserve to be protected from the efforts of dodgy builders who seem to think they can get away with doing the wrong thing.”