The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) prosecuted Matthew Archer at a hearing in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 10 April 2026.
Mr Archer was convicted of unlawfully carrying out building work, using another person’s licence, and commencing work without a compliant contract.
The court imposed a $12,000 fine and ordered Mr Archer to pay $70,000 in compensation to the affected home owners. Of that amount, $50,000 must be paid by 12 April 2027 or Mr Archer faces two months’ imprisonment or will be required to return to court to show cause.
QBCC CEO and Commissioner, Angelo Lambrinos, said the case involved a sustained pattern of dishonesty.
“The defendant falsely claimed to be licensed, used another person’s licence number and took substantial sums of money from trusting home owners, leaving them significantly out of pocket,” Mr Lambrinos said.
The court heard Mr Archer used the licence number of a former licence holder with the same name, created a forged QBCC licence certificate, and verbally quoted approximately $95,000 for an extension at a house in Placid Hills, Gatton.
He accepted more than $90,000 in payments, carried out limited work and failed to complete the project.
Mr Lambrinos said the case highlights how important it is for home owners to do their due diligence and make sure their contractor is legitimately licensed.
“The QBCC’s digital licences include a photo of the licence holder. While optional, digital licences enable consumers to check that the person they are dealing with matches the photo on their licence, confirm the licence is current, and ensure it is appropriate for the work being carried out,” Mr Lambrinos said.
Mr Lambrinos also encouraged home owners to use the QBCC’s free resources before engaging a contractor.
“The QBCC Home Owner Hub provides clear, practical tools to help home owners check licences, understand contract requirements and protect themselves before work starts,” he said.
“The QBCC will unapologetically act when someone is deliberately or repeatedly breaking the law to protect home owners and the reputations of hard working licensees who do the right thing.”
