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An unlicensed Queensland contractor has been ordered to pay $19,000 in penalties for carrying out unauthorised building work, after previously being prosecuted for similar offences.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has prosecuted unlicensed contractor James Carsten Christensen for a second time, convicting him of multiple offences at Rockhampton Magistrates Court.
The offences include undertaking unlawful building work at two properties, demanding and receiving excess deposits and misusing another licensee’s licence to falsely present himself as a builder.
The court imposed several penalties as a result, including ordering him to pay a fine of $15,000 and pay $14,621 in compensation to the owner of a Frenchville property.
Further, Christensen had convictions recorded for all charges.
According to the QBCC, this is the second time Christensen has faced prosecution, having been previously caught for similar offences.
“He was previously sentenced on 29 August 2023 in the same court, receiving fines totalling $14,000 for unlawful building work and demanding and receiving excess deposits,” it said.
The QBCC has reminded home owners to check its online licensee register to confirm an individual is licensed and to review their compliance history.
Additionally, QBCC said owners should be aware of and understand the allowable maximum deposits and ensure that a written, dated and signed contract is in place before work commences.
QBCC CEO Angelo Lambrinos said the commission is fair and transparent in its compliance approach but will take decisive action against contractors who breach the law.
He said the QBCC is prioritising education and early intervention for licencees to prevent law-breaking, through the body’s Compliance and Enforcement Strategy.
“We understand that education and early intervention are powerful tools in helping licensees meet their obligations,” Lambrinos said.
“But when someone repeatedly chooses to operate outside the law, we have a responsibility to act – to protect home owners, uphold industry standards and support those doing the right thing.”
“While most licensees are doing the right thing – which is a strong reflection of the professionalism across the industry – even one case of non-compliance is one too many,” Lambrinos added.
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