The prosecutions resulted in both individuals being convicted and fined a combined total of $27,000 for a range of unlawful building-related work, with both matters reinforcing the serious risks posed to home owners by illegal operators.
Christian Gett and Jorge Antonio Lopez Vaquero were each found guilty of carrying out unlawful building work, commencing work without a compliant regulated contract, and demanding and receiving an excessive deposit.
Mr Gett, who did not appear in court, was fined $14,000 for three offences and ordered to pay $5,169.50 in compensation to the home owner for work relating to the construction of a fence at an Ormeau property in 2022.
Mr Vaquero, who appeared in court, was also charged with two offences related to deck work at a Forestdale home and an additional three offences in relation to the construction of a fence at a Marsden property, was fined $13,000.
He was also ordered to pay the Marsden home owner $2,697 in compensation.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner, Angelo Lambrinos, said the outcomes highlighted the serious consequences facing individuals who choose to operate outside the law.
“The QBCC is entrusted with regulating the state’s $69 billion building and construction industry – protecting consumers and supporting licensees maintain the high standards that define our industry – standards they’ve worked hard to build and protect over their career,” Mr Lambrinos said.
“A thriving building and construction industry benefits us all. But it only works when people feel informed, enabled and protected. That’s why we will unapologetically enforce the law where someone knowingly or repeatedly does the wrong thing.”
Mr Lambrinos said that QBCC audits in 2025 found a non-compliance rate of less than one per cent, however, even one case of deliberate or repeat non-compliance is one too many.
“Protecting the integrity of the industry takes a united effort and reporting concerns helps protect home owners and the reputations of hard-working, honest licensees,’’ he said.
“When something feels or is wrong, tell us – your information helps us take
decisive action against unlawful operators who undermine trust and fairness.”
If in doubt, consumers are encouraged to check the QBCC’s Licensee Register, which shows if an individual or company is licensed, the type of work they can do, and a full licence history, including any fines or directions to rectify defective work.
The QBCC’s online Home Owner Hub, also supports Queenslanders on their building and renovation journey with a simple five-step process from planning to completion. The Hub covers topics such as contracts, maximum deposit amounts, progress payments and the Queensland’s nation-leading Home Warranty Scheme.
The QBCC is committed to being responsive and making it easier to do business with. Its website outlines the ways you can get in touch including by phone, through in-person services and online.
