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Why it pays to be licensed
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) plays a key role in regulating the building industry in South Australia, and while most tradespeople do the right thing, there are some out there flouting the rules.
A large part of the work undertaken
by CBS relates to providing advice to disgruntled consumers and working to stamp out unlicensed tradespeople. In the first 6 months of this year alone, CBS has received more than 1940 enquiries, and 223 formal complaints relating to shoddy work by plumbing, gas fitting and
electrical tradespeople, as well as other building issues.
Failing to comply
Common warnings issued to plumbers include not having a licence number displayed, working without a licence, or working outside the scope of a licence. Where a breach of the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995 is identified through an investigation, CBS may take enforcement action. The enforcement action could include:
• formal warning letters • expiation notices
• public warnings
• disciplinaryaction,or • prosecution.
Over the past 12 months, 15 builders and tradespeople have been prosecuted in the Magistrates Court and ordered to pay significant fines and legal costs. In one case, an unlicensed builder who failed to complete work and caused additional damage to property was fined $175,000 and ordered to pay back more than $58,000 in compensation to clients. In another case, an unlicensed builder who undertook a bathroom renovation was fined $11,840 and ordered to pay $5,500 in compensation.
Keeping your licence up to date
Tradespeople who perform plumbing, gas fitting or electrical work must be registered with CBS. For those running their own business and contracting for work, a PGE contractor’s licence is required. You must renew your licence every 12 months, or your workers’ registration every three years.
Renewing is quick and can either be done online, over the phone, or in person at the CBS Customer Service Centre. You will get a hard copy of your licence/ registration, but you can also download your licence/registration to an Apple or Android smartphone using the mySAGOV app. The app also allows you to set renewal reminders in your phone to reduce your risk of not renewing. CBS can also send you important information by email, if you register your details.
Reporting unlicensed tradies
CBS welcomes reports of tradespeople working without a licence/registration, or outside of the scope of their licence/registration. Reports can be lodged online at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/contact or telephone CBS on 131 882. For more information about licences, contact CBS via occupational@sa.gov.au or phone 131 882.
Working together...
Reimbursement fees for plumbers reporting blockages in our sewer and main connections have increased from 1 July 2019.
Submit your plumbers reimbursement claim at sawater.com.au.
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