MANY TRADIES DO THE RIGHT THING. CLEANING UP THE REST.
With thousands of building and trades jobs undertaken every year in South Australia, it is pleasing that so many tradies operate within the law and provide high quality trades services to their customers. Consumer and Business Services (CBS) is constantly monitoring the building and trades sector to check for compliance and take action where potential breaches are detected. Building and trades matters investigated over the past year relate to unlicensed activity, non-compliant building quotes and poor conduct. As a result of CBS’ compliance and enforcement activities there were court imposed fines issued and written assurances received from traders that they will not engage in unlawful conduct. In one particular case, the company was licensed to contract for plumbing, gas fitting and electrical work, however its conduct was unfair, improper and negligent. The company provided false or misleading information to customers about the price of materials and services and also about the need for particular services. The company and its two directors were formally reprimanded by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and fined a total of $20,000.
In some cases once compliance action has been taken, traders will subsequently apply for a licence. In weighing up whether to grant a licence CBS will consider things such as previous breaches and the extent of any detriment caused to consumers, and of course whether the applicant meets all the licensing criteria – e.g. qualifications, experience, net assets and a police check. Compliance and enforcement action helps to clean up individuals and companies that flout licensing and consumer protection laws and taint this very hard-working industry. It also helps to remind all builders and tradies that they must know their legal requirements and fulfil their responsibilities. CBS is reminding plumbers to make sure that they: • Hold the correct licence/registration to cover the work that they currently contract for and/or perform. • Only subcontract out work to a suitably licensed business or company. • Only advertise for work that is covered by their licence. • Include their licence number in any advertising to the public, including on their website, business card and trade vehicle, as well as any paid advertising on radio, television, online or in a newspaper. • Provide an itemised bill to consumers within 7 days if requested by the consumer.
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