Join the QBCC at the Brisbane Home Show

Submitted by Rosie.Herbert on

Thinking about building or renovating your home? Visit the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) at the Brisbane Home Show from 19-21 September for trusted advice from our industry experts. 

home show lightbulb letters

On the third and final day of the event (Sunday 21 September at 1.30pm) the QBCC’s experienced team will present a must-attend session designed to guide home owners through the building and renovation process from start to finish. The session will cover essential topics including:

  • how to find a licensed contractor in your local area
  • ways to check a contractors’ previous work
  • navigating contracts and deposits
  • managing variations
  • resolving disputes and more.

You’ll also hear about helpful new resources like the Home Owner Hub and the rollout of digital licences for QBCC licensed contractors—both designed to improve your building or renovation experience and make it easier for home owners to engage with the QBCC.

Where to find us

Throughout the three-day event, the QBCC’s team will be available at booth L 08 to answer your questions, offer practical insights, and help you make confident, informed decisions—whether you’re just starting out or already mid-project.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry experts—visit the QBCC at the Brisbane Home Show this September.

In the meantime, visit the QBCC’s Home Owner Hub for guidance through every stage of your building and renovating journey. 

Brisbane Home Show

Date:  19-21 September 2025 (Friday to Sunday)

Time: 9am-5pm daily

QBCC booth: L 08

QBCC information session: Sunday 21 September at 1.30pm

Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale Street, South Brisbane 

Last reviewed: 14 Sep 2025 Last published: 14 Sep 2025
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Free workshop: Licensing & FSC WHS accreditation—Cairns

Submitted by Rosie.Herbert on
hard hat tradesperson vest event

Join us for a free breakfast workshop – a practical, interactive session designed to support Queensland builders and subcontractors with licensing requirements and FSC WHS accreditation.

Event details
Date
19 Sep 2025
Time
07:00am - 10:00am
Location
Pullman Cairns International, 17 Abbott Street
Cost
Free
Register here

Why attend?

Presented in partnership with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and FSC Auditor, Andrew Gisinger, this interactive session will cover:

  • QBCC licensing, financial requirements, and safety support
  • What FSC WHS accreditation is, why and how to gain it
  • Tools, tips, and assistance available to streamline accreditation
  • Opportunities for federally funded and state construction work

This is a valuable opportunity for builders, subcontractors, and advisors to gain clarity on compliance and position themselves for future projects.

Who should attend:

  • QBCC licensees (builders and subcontractors)
  • Builders (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
  • Accountants supporting construction businesses
  • Developers (including CHPs) wanting to understand what separates an FSC WHS accredited builder from a non-accredited one
  • Subcontractors aiming to be a sub-contractor of choice for FSC WHS accredited builders.

What you'll learn

QBCC support for builders
Get insights into licensing classes, financial requirements, building regulations, and support services available through QBCC.

FSC WHS accreditation explained
Led by FSC Auditor Andrew Gisinger, this session covers what FSC accreditation is, when it's needed, how it differs from ISO certification, and how to navigate the process successfully – including costs, criteria, and opportunities in government-funded projects.

Last reviewed: 8 Sep 2025 Last published: 8 Sep 2025
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Free workshop: Licensing & FSC WHS accreditation—Brisbane

Submitted by Rosie.Herbert on
hard hat tradesperson vest event

Join us for a free breakfast workshop – a practical, interactive session designed to support Queensland builders and subcontractors with licensing requirements and FSC WHS accreditation.

Event details
Date
17 Sep 2025
Time
07:00am - 10:00am
Location
Sofitel Brisbane Central, 249 Turbot Street
Cost
Free
Register here

Why attend?

Presented in partnership with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and FSC Auditor, Andrew Gisinger, this interactive session will cover:

  • QBCC licensing, financial requirements, and safety support
  • What FSC WHS accreditation is, why and how to gain it
  • Tools, tips, and assistance available to streamline accreditation
  • Opportunities for federally funded and state construction work

This is a valuable opportunity for builders, subcontractors, and advisors to gain clarity on compliance and position themselves for future projects.

Who should attend:

  • QBCC licensees (builders and subcontractors)
  • Builders (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
  • Accountants supporting construction businesses
  • Developers (including CHPs) wanting to understand what separates an FSC WHS accredited builder from a non-accredited one
  • Subcontractors aiming to be a sub-contractor of choice for FSC WHS accredited builders.

What you'll learn

QBCC support for builders
Get insights into licensing classes, financial requirements, building regulations, and support services available through QBCC.

FSC WHS accreditation explained
Led by FSC Auditor Andrew Gisinger, this session covers what FSC accreditation is, when it's needed, how it differs from ISO certification, and how to navigate the process successfully – including costs, criteria, and opportunities in government-funded projects.

Last reviewed: 8 Sep 2025 Last published: 8 Sep 2025
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Building alert – oversized penetrations in ply bracing panels may reduce structural integrity

Submitted by Rosie.Herbert on

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has identified issues with oversized holes being cut into structural plywood bracing panels. These penetrations can reduce the bracing capacity of a structure and create compliance risks.

This alert provides guidance from the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) and Timber Queensland on what constitutes acceptable practice.

structural-plywood-bracing-panels-penetration-holes-example

 

Why this matters

  • Oversized holes reduce the structural integrity of buildings.
  • Proactive inspections have identified repeated instances across Queensland.
  • Following EWPAA guidance will help maintain compliance.

Acceptable penetrations in ply bracing panels

According to the EWPAA:

  • A neat hole (not overcut) up to 100 mm x 100 mm may be cut within 100 mm of vertical and top edges, and 200 mm of the bottom edge of the panel.
  • Multiple 100 mm x 100 mm holes are allowable within this envelope, but centres must be at least 600 mm apart.
  • One hole up to 400 mm x 400 mm is acceptable if located between studs, framed with nogging, and fixed as required for top and bottom plates.
timber-queensland-ewpaa

 

Helpful links

Further information

 

Disclaimer: The information in this building alert is for educational purposes only. Although the QBCC endeavours to provide accurate and current information, it does not guarantee that the information communicated in this building alert will continue to be accurate and current in the future. The QBCC is not liable for any claims arising from incorrect or out-of-date information or any decisions or actions made based on the information contained in this building alert. The information conveyed in this building alert does not constitute legal or other specialist advice and should not be relied upon as such.

Last reviewed: 1 Sep 2025 Last published: 1 Sep 2025
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Don't leave your digital door unlocked

Submitted by emma.cottrell@… on

Weak passwords are like leaving your ute unlocked overnight. Switch to a strong passphrase.

cyber security tradie ute digital passwords

As the QBCC continues to expand its digital capabilities, it is more important than ever to keep your online accounts secure.

Whether you are logging into your myQBCC account, checking email or managing your business apps, your password is often the only thing standing between you and a cybercriminal.

Why passphrases matter

A passphrase is a longer, more secure version of a password. Think of it like upgrading from a screen door to a steel one. Good passphrases are:

  • at least 14 characters long
  • made of four or more unrelated words
  • unique to each account.

Avoid names, phrases or anything that could be guessed. The more random, the better.

Add extra protection with MFA

Wherever possible, turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). It means even if someone guesses your passphrase, they cannot get in without a second step. Like a code sent to your phone.

Use a password manager

Keeping track of different passphrases does not have to be hard. Password managers help you generate, store and fill in passwords automatically.

A few minutes of effort = long-term protection.

Passwords should be treated like tools of the trade—essential to protect. Protect it like your job depends on it…because it does.

Quick links

For guidance from trusted sources, visit:

Last reviewed: 29 Aug 2025 Last published: 29 Aug 2025
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Service Trades Council Forum—North Lakes

Submitted by Rosie.Herbert on
grey plumping pipes

For plumbers, drainers, fire protection workers and other service trades

Event details
Date
20 Aug 2025
Time
04:00pm - 07:00pm
Location
North Lakes Hotel—22 Lakefield Drive, North Lakes QLD 4509
Cost
Free
Register here

Why attend?

Come along to a free industry forum hosted by the Service Trades Council—designed specifically for professionals in plumbing, drainage, fire protection, air-conditioning, and mechanical services.

Connect with industry peers, hear important updates from regulators and local councils, and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of Queensland’s service trades.

What’s on the agenda?

  • Welcome and STC overview from STC Chair Penny Cornah
  • Local update from Kelvin Mason, Team Leader Plumbing, City of Moreton Bay
  • Compliance and notifiable work insights from Elizabeth Palmer-Bright, QBCC
  • Service Trades Unit update, Brent Smith, Acting Manager Service Trades, QBCC and Tony Finnis, Senior Plumbing Inspector. QBCC.

A panel-style Q&A session featuring representatives from:

  • Russell Martin, Principal Technical Advisor (DHPW)
  • Chris McCahon, Assistant Commissioner Regulatory Standards and Support (QBCC)
  • Elizabeth Palmer-Bright, Manager Plumbing and Pools Investigations (QBCC)
  • Leonie Plata, Manager Occupational Licensing (QBCC)
  • Brent Smith, Acting Manager Service Trades (QBCC)
  • Kelvin Mason, Team Leader Plumbing (City of Moreton Bay)

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and have your say.

Registration from 3:30pm – Forum starts at 4:00pm sharp.

Last reviewed: 7 Jul 2025 Last published: 7 Jul 2025
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Join us for the Service Trades Forum in Townsville in June!

Submitted by Rosie.Herbert on

Are you in the plumbing, drainage, fire protection, or mechanical services industry? Then you won’t want to miss the Service Trades Forum hosted by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) in Townsville on Tuesday 17 June from 4pm.

This free industry event is a great opportunity to stay updated on the latest developments, hear directly from industry experts, and engage in meaningful discussions with key regulators and local council representatives.

What’s on the agenda?

At the event, you’ll hear from a panel of industry leaders and specialists who will provide information and key insights specific to your region. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:

  • Welcome and overview – Penny Cornah, Chair of the Service Trades Council (STC)
  • Local update – Geoff Woodall, Coordinator Hydraulics, Townsville City Council
  • Compliance and Notifiable Work insights –Elizabeth Palmer-Bright, Manager, Plumbing and Pools Investigation, QBCC
  • Trends and developments impacting service trades – Adela Padurean, Manager Service Trades and Joe Mills, Senior Plumbing Inspector, QBCC
  • Powerlink Safety Talk – Jason Beasley, Ergon Energy  
  • Panel Q&A session featuring:
    • Anne Neuendorf, Executive Director of Building Policy, Department of Housing and Public Works
    • Chris McCahon, Assistant Commissioner of Regulatory Standards and Support, QBCC
    • Elizabeth Palmer-Bright, Manager, Plumbing and Pools Investigation, QBCC
    • Geoff Woodall, Coordinator Hydraulics, Townsville City Council.
       

Why attend?

  • Stay informed: Get the latest updates from the QBCC, local councils, and industry regulators.
  • Have your say: Participate in the Q&A session and voice your thoughts on key industry issues.
  • Network: Take advantage of the networking opportunities before and after the forum to connect with fellow tradespeople in the area.
     

Ready to register?

Don’t miss out on hearing about local industry news, updates and insights.  

Registration is free, however, places are limited, so jump on and secure your spot today. 

grey plumping pipes

Register Now

Event details:
  • Date: Tuesday 17 June 2025
  • Time: 4pm-7:30pm (Registration opens at 3:30pm)
  • Location: Rydges Southbank Townsville – Kingston Room, 23 Palmer Street, Townsville QLD 4810
  • Cost: Free (but registration is essential) 
Last reviewed: 30 May 2025 Last published: 30 May 2025
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Australia New Zealand School of Government National Regulators Community of Practice Conference 2025

Submitted by emma.cottrell@… on

This event presents an opportunity for representatives from State and Territory regulators to come together and discuss the current state and future direction of the regulatory space. This year's theme is ‘Regulation 2025 to 2050: Disruption, change and continuity’, and it will provide the QBCC with a forum to showcase our regulatory approach to industry and stakeholders.

Event details
Date
27 Aug 2025
Time
09:00am - 05:00pm
Location
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Cnr Merivale Street and Grey Street, South Brisbane
Cost
Free
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