Breaking the law: the 3 most common scenarios
The QBCC sees the same three unlawful behaviours again and again.
Using someone else’s licence
This includes:
- Doing work under another person’s licence number
- Pretending their licence is yours
- Using their licence for insurance
- Letting clients think you’re the licensed person
Sometimes people think this is “helping out”.
It’s not.
It’s unlawful.
Letting someone use your licence
This is even more dangerous.
If someone:
- Uses your licence
- Works under your licence number
- Bills clients using your licence
…YOU are legally responsible for their work.
If the job is defective, QBCC will hold you accountable, not them.
Supervising without a Site Supervisor Licence
This is the most common and the most misunderstood.
If you step onto a site and:
- Give trade instructions
- Approve stages
- Oversee daily activity
- Manage work progress
…you are supervising building work.
If you don’t have the correct licence class while supervising building work solo without other licenced site supervisors, you are breaking the law.
Even if you think:
- “I’m just helping for a day”
- “I’ve done this before”
- “The company asked me to cover”
- “I’m experienced”
None of these protect you.
Why these three behaviours matter
It all comes down to one simple idea: Licences protect people.
They protect:
- Homeowners
- Subcontractors
- Builders
- Employees
- The public
- YOU
When someone uses the wrong licence or no licence, the risks multiply, defects, safety issues, insurance problems, financial loss, and legal responsibility.
The consequences
Here’s what can happen if the QBCC finds out you’re breaking the law:
Fines: Big ones. Thousands of dollars for individuals AND companies.
Insurance problems: If work wasn’t supervised by the right person, insurance may not cover defects.
Contract issues: Clients can refuse to pay.
Reputational damage: Your business or career can take a permanent hit.
Licence suspension or cancellation: If it’s serious or repeated.
Legal action: In major cases.
The scary part? People often don’t know they broke the law until something goes wrong.
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
Most people in construction don’t intentionally break the law.
They simply don’t know the rules. You can break the law without meaning to, and the consequences can be serious.
Why these mistakes happen
Most unlawful work isn’t malicious.
It happens because of:
- Pressure
- Lack of supervision
- “Covering for the day”
- Confusion
- Not understanding licence types
- Thinking experience = authority
But the QBCC doesn’t accept “I didn’t know” as a defence.
How to protect yourself and your business
Here’s the simple checklist:
✔ Don’t use someone else’s licence – Ever.
✔ Don’t let anyone use your licence – Unless you want to be responsible for their mistakes.
✔ Don’t supervise without the correct Site Supervisor Licence – Even for one day.
✔ Don’t assume – Always check licence class.
✔ Don’t guess – Ask someone who knows.
If you’re unsure, QBCC Express can help
We help construction professionals figure out:
- Which licence they need
- Whether they’re at risk
- How to fix a mistake
- How to get licensed properly
We handle the confusion for you, so you can stay compliant and safe.
Breaking the law in construction is easier than people think.
But avoiding it is simple:
Use the right licence.
Supervise with the right licence.
And never use someone else’s licence.
When in doubt, check, ask, or get help.
Your licence protects you long before you realise you need it.
Is it illegal to use someone else’s QBCC licence?
Yes. Using someone else’s licence number or pretending their licence is yours is illegal. Both people involved can be fined, and the licensed person can face disciplinary action.
Can I let someone else use my QBCC licence?
No. If someone performs work under your licence, you are legally responsible for their mistakes, defects, and compliance breaches.
Letting anyone “borrow” your licence is unlawful.
Do I need a licence to supervise a small renovation?
Yes, if it is considered building work under Queensland law.
Supervising without a Site Supervisor Licence (of the right class) is unlawful, no matter the size of the job.
Can the QBCC make me fix defective work if I’m unlicensed?
Yes. If you carried out or supervised work unlawfully, the QBCC can still direct you to fix it, even if you were not licensed.
You may also face fines and legal consequences.
How do I avoid breaking the law by accident?
Three simple rules:
• Don’t use someone else’s licence
• Don’t let anyone use your licence
• Don’t supervise without the correct licence class
If you’re unsure what you need, QBCC Express can check your situation.