On 12 September 2019, the Parramatta Local Court convicted Mr Anthony Lee Francis and fined him a total of $70,000 for seven offences against the Home Building Act and two against the Australian Consumer Law. The result comes after NSW Fair Trading commenced prosecution against Mr Francis late last year.
A/NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Peter Dunphy said the defendant was prosecuted for offences which included carrying out unlicensed residential building work and accepting payments but failing to supply all the services within a reasonable time, or at all.
"Mr Francis was the subject of a public warning last year, as Fair Trading was concerned he was seeking to work without the appropriate licence. Mr Francis does not hold a current NSW contractor licence," Mr Dunphy said.
Fair Trading is reminding consumers that they should only deal with licensed traders for work that must be performed according to its classification.
"Consumers have every right to protect their investment and to expect the people that they contract to work on their home are appropriately licensed to do the job.
"Fair Trading officers are actively monitoring the home building industry and have increased surveillance of the industry, including licence and certification checks and will continue to support compliance with legislation," Mr Dunphy said.
Fair Trading's advice to consumers is to get more than one written quote. This will help to understand the average market price for work.
"It is also a good idea to ask for references and examples of past work, take a look at the business online and ask friends and family for advice," Mr Dunphy said.
Use the online tool to check your contractor and tradesperson is qualified and/or licensed to do the job: www.onegov.nsw.gov.au/publicregister/#/publicregister/search/Trades
