The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has taken further enforcement action against unlawful building activity, securing convictions against two individuals in separate matters before the Beenleigh Magistrates Court.
The prosecutions were part of the QBCC’s proactive approach to protecting home owners and strengthening Queensland’s reputation for quality workmanship and trustworthy licensed trades.
Both individuals were convicted and fined, with the penalties reaching a combined total of $27,000. The cases involved a range of unlawful building-related offences and highlighted the risks posed by people operating outside the law.
Penalties
Christian Gett and Jorge Antonio Lopez Vaquero were each found guilty of carrying out unlawful building work, starting work without a compliant regulated contract, and demanding and receiving an excessive deposit.
Mr Gett did not appear in court. He was fined $14,000 for three offences linked to the construction of a fence at an Ormeau property in 2022. He was also ordered to pay $5,169.50 in compensation to the affected home owner.
Mr Vaquero appeared in court and was fined $13,000. His matter involved two offences relating to deck work at a Forestdale home, as well as three additional offences connected to fence construction work at a Marsden property.
In addition to the fine, Mr Vaquero was ordered to pay $2,697 in compensation to the Marsden home owner.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner Angelo Lambrinos said the results showed that individuals who ignore Queensland’s building laws can expect serious consequences.
“The QBCC is entrusted with regulating the state’s $69 billion building and construction industry – protecting consumers and supporting licensees maintain the high standards that define our industry – standards they’ve worked hard to build and protect over their career,” Mr Lambrinos said.
“A thriving building and construction industry benefits us all. But it only works when people feel informed, enabled and protected. That’s why we will unapologetically enforce the law where someone knowingly or repeatedly does the wrong thing.”
Mr Lambrinos said QBCC audits in 2025 found a non-compliance rate below one per cent. However, he said even a single case of intentional or repeated non-compliance was still unacceptable.
Protecting the integrity of the industry
“Protecting the integrity of the industry takes a united effort and reporting concerns helps protect home owners and the reputations of hard-working, honest licensees,” he said.
“When something feels or is wrong, tell us – your information helps us take decisive action against unlawful operators who undermine trust and fairness.”
The QBCC encourages consumers to check the QBCC Licensee Register before hiring anyone for building work. The register helps consumers confirm whether an individual or company holds the right licence, what type of work they are allowed to perform, and whether there is any history of fines or directions to rectify defective work.
The QBCC also provides support through its online Home Owner Hub, which guides Queenslanders through the building and renovation process using a simple five-step pathway from planning to completion. It includes key information about contracts, maximum deposit amounts, progress payments, and Queensland’s Home Warranty Scheme.
The QBCC says it remains committed to being responsive and making it easier for consumers and industry members to do business with the regulator. Information about contacting the QBCC by phone, in person, or online is available through its website.
References:
https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/news/beenleigh-court-fines-two-unlawful-building-work