T
he South Australian Government has introduced tougher penalties for unlicensed building and trade work following a rise in complaints from consumers who say they were left out of pocket or dealing with poor-quality repairs.
Under the new rules, repeat offenders can face penalties of up to $150,000 for individuals and $550,000 for companies. On-the-spot fines of $5,000 now apply for offences including hiring unlicensed subcontractors, using another contractor’s licence number and falsely claiming to be licensed.
The changes come amid growing concern about rogue operators targeting homeowners during periods of high demand for trades and repairs.
Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Michael Brown said the government had received a large number of complaints from residents who felt they had been misled or overcharged.
“It is very concerning to have received so many complaints from South Australians feeling ripped off by rogue tradies and we are cracking down with much harsher penalties,” he said.
The government is also urging consumers to take more care before agreeing to work, particularly in urgent situations where people may feel pressured to make quick decisions.
Officials recommend getting at least three quotes, checking licence details independently and avoiding large upfront payments. Consumers are also being warned about traders who approach homes uninvited.
“There have been many reports over the years of door-to-door traders taking money upfront, doing a poor-quality job and then disappearing,” the government said in its advisory notice.
Under Australian Consumer Law, unsolicited door-to-door sales must include a written contract and a 10-day cooling-off period.
Authorities say consumers should verify licence details through the Consumer and Business Services register and be cautious of businesses operating under multiple trading names. Licensed tradies are legally required to display their licence number on advertising, including websites and social media pages.
Industry groups have previously noted that while stronger penalties may help deter illegal operators, consumer awareness remains a major factor in preventing scams and poor workmanship.
Most licensed builders and tradespeople comply with regulations, but unlicensed work continues to be a recurring issue across the construction and home maintenance sectors, particularly during periods of housing pressure and labour shortages.
Brown said homeowners should avoid making decisions based purely on low call-out fees or promises of immediate work.
“Always take the time to compare the quotes from different businesses and make sure everyone who provides a quote is licensed,” he said.
The government said consumers who suspect illegal activity should report it to Consumer and Business Services.
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