What’s Happening?
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has identified suspected illegal activity following an audit campaign across Mackay construction sites. Released on 13 August 2026, the findings have led to further investigations and regulatory follow-up.
One person allegedly undertook unlicensed contracting, while another may have engaged an unlicensed contractor to perform work. Officers also found non-compliant signage at a separate site, leading to warnings and further education for the licensee.
Why It Matters
The checks help ensure work is undertaken by appropriately licensed people and reinforce safeguards for Queenslanders. The campaign also supports licensees who meet their obligations while addressing conduct that may breach the law.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner Angelo Lambrinos said the statewide campaign protects consumers and supports compliant licensees. He said it also upholds industry standards across Queensland.
Mr Lambrinos said the regulator remained committed to a fair and transparent compliance approach. However, firm action would be taken when people breached the law.
“Queensland’s building and construction industry is built on trust, professionalism and accountability,” Mr Lambrinos said. “We understand that education and early intervention are powerful tools in helping licensees meet their obligations. But when someone chooses to operate outside the law, we have a responsibility to act, to protect consumers, uphold industry standards and support those doing the right thing.
“We prioritise early engagement and education, but we also take firm action on repeat or serious non-compliance.”
Local Impact
The QBCC strongly encourages homeowners to complete several checks before engaging a builder. These checks can help confirm licensing, costs, deposits and contractual requirements before work begins.
Homeowners should use the free QBCC licence register to confirm whether someone holds the appropriate licence. The register also allows them to review that person’s compliance history.
Owners should seek more than one quote and understand what work is actually required. They should also know the maximum allowable deposit and its legal limit before signing a contract.
A written, dated and signed contract should be in place before any building work begins. The free Home Owner Hub provides a practical five-step guide to building and renovating in Queensland.
By The Numbers
- During the three-day Mackay campaign, QBCC officers completed 117 licence checks across 45 active building sites.
- Statewide active-site audits recorded unlicensed offending at just over 1% during the 2025-26 financial year.
- Non-compliant signage can attract penalties of $3,338 for an individual and $16,690 for a company.
Zoom In
The signage found during the Mackay campaign did not meet legal requirements. Officers responded by warning the licensee and providing further education about their responsibilities.
The QBCC says compliant signage may seem minor, but it reinforces appropriate behaviour and activity across construction sites. Learn more about compliant signage on the QBCC website.
If you are responsible for a building site, you must display a sign that:
- includes your name or company name exactly as it appears on your licence,
as well as your licence number and reference to the QBCC Act - is made of weatherproof materials
- is larger than half a square metre
- has print at least 50mm high for the licence name and licence number
- is in a prominent position and clearly visible from the street.
Zoom Out
Mr Lambrinos said most licensees were doing the right thing, reflecting strong professionalism across the building and construction industry.
“QBCC compliance audits of active sites in 2025-26 detected the rate of unlicensed offending to be just over one per cent. But even one case of unlicensed building work is one too many.”
He said compliance officers had an important role in maintaining standards and giving consumers confidence when hiring building professionals.
“By conducting these audits, our officers play a critical role in identifying and addressing noncompliance, ensuring building works are being delivered to standards so that Queenslanders can feel confident about the people they hire.”
What To Look For Next?
Further investigations remain underway into both people identified during the Mackay audit campaign. Those inquiries will examine the alleged unlicensed contracting and the possible engagement of an unlicensed contractor.
The QBCC will continue its statewide audit campaign, with education and early intervention remaining central to its compliance work. However, repeat or serious breaches may lead to firm regulatory action.
Continued checks should give Queenslanders more confidence in the people they hire for building and construction work.
