In October 2025, the QBCC held an industry taskforce to discuss improving accountability for defective work across Queensland. A key message from those discussions was the need for clearer, more consistent decision-making when defective work is identified.
To support this, the QBCC has released updated resources that provide clarity and practical guidance, outlining what the clarified approach means for principal contractors, subcontractors and consumers and helping ensure fair, consistent outcomes across the state.
Building on that feedback, the QBCC has refined how it applies the existing Direction to Rectify (DTR) process. These refinements will commence on 30 March 2026.
Under this clearer, evidence-based approach, a subcontractor may now receive a direction first when their responsibility for the defective work is clearly defined and supported by evidence.
Importantly, these changes are not a change to legislation. They are a clearer, more transparent application of the QBCC’s existing powers to ensure accountability sits with the party genuinely responsible.
How accountability will be applied
- Directions to Rectify (DTR) will go to the party responsible for the defective work
If strong evidence identifies the licensee who performed the defective work, the DTR may be issued to them first so they can rectify their own work. - Principal contractors remain responsible to the home owner
When responsibility cannot be clearly determined, or when multiple trades are involved in the defect, the DTR may be issued to the principal contractor in line with their obligations under the head contract. - Noncompliance may lead to disciplinary action
If a licensee does not comply with a DTR, the QBCC may take disciplinary action, which may appear on the public licensee register.
What this means for licensees
Put simply: When quality is demonstrated, it can be defended.
Clear documentation makes it easier to show who did what, when—helping to ensure decisions are fair, consistent and directed to the right party.
