3 April 2019
The Special Joint Taskforce investigating non-payment in the Queensland building industry needs to hear from all builders and subcontractors who have experienced non-payment.
The Queensland Government has appointed retired judge John Byrne to lead a taskforce to investigate fraudulent behavior relating to subcontractor non-payment.
The taskforce commenced operations on 27 March and comprises detectives from Queensland Police, investigators from the QBCC and prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The taskforce will:
- investigate complaints provided through submissions in relation to allegations of fraudulent behavior relating to building subcontractor non-payment
- where there is evidence of breaches of legislation, refer to the relevant prosecuting authority
- consider if there are sufficient investigative and supervisory powers to deal with the conduct disclosed in the matters reviewed.
They will be seeking submissions from the industry, as well as visiting the regions to follow up with those who have made submissions. They are looking for factual, specific and detailed information, including any documents to support the allegations.
Master Builders will be providing a submission in relation to the policy gaps that exist – for example, where developers don’t pay builders, which in some cases flows down the chain.
The taskforce is to provide a report and recommendations to Minister de Brenni by 30 June 2019.
Who should submit?
As an association that represents both builders and subbies, we will be encouraging all of our members who have experienced non-payment to make a detailed submission to the taskforce. Our experience is that in many cases non-payment starts at the top, when developers or owners fail or are slow to pay the builder. So, whether you’re a subbie or a builder who hasn’t been paid, the taskforce needs to hear from you.
How to submit?
You can submit online via the dedicated taskforce website or download the submission form and submit via email or post.
Submissions must be received by 5pm, Friday 17 May 2019.
Regional appointments
The taskforce will be visiting Brisbane, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville during April-May 2019 and offering the opportunity to discuss your submission or situation via an individual 30 minute appointment.
You can register for an appointment on a date and location that suits you. The taskforce recommends you lodge a submission before booking a meeting to get the most out of the session.
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