Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts today announced Fair Trading inspectors would be checking new home building sites and renovation sites in the Tamworth area this week to ensure compliance with the Home Building Act 1989 and Electrical (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and associated regulations.

Mr Roberts said a team of investigators would be conducting unannounced inspections of residential building sites and owner-builder and major renovation sites.

“Fair Trading undertakes these kinds of operations routinely throughout the year across the state, as part of its compliance program,” he said.

“Inspectors talk to the builders in charge of each site to ensure proper contracts are in place for the work being carried out and that home warranty insurance is in place where required.

“Fair Trading may check up on any local traders with a history of breaches, as well as any local builders with suspended licenses.

“Officers can also check the advertisements in local newspapers to determine if any unlicensed operators are touting for work.”

The Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the inspections provided Fair Trading with the opportunity to educate traders.

“Where breaches of legislation are detected, penalty notices will commonly be issued, but this compliance program also enables inspectors to remind traders of their obligations.”

Penalty notices will range from $250 for an individual and $500 for a corporation to $1,500 and $3,000 respectively, depending on the breaches involved.

Serious breaches, or where repeat offences are detected, will be subject to further investigation and potentially, additional penalties.

Mr Roberts encouraged people to check trade licences online at the Fair Trading website or by calling 13 32 20.

“The licensing regime protects consumers and traders alike,” he said.

“Consumers know that by dealing with a licensed builder, they can seek remedies for any defects or unsatisfactory work and traders benefit from industry regulation and oversight because unlicensed and dodgy operators are excluded from business.”

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