Spoiler: It’s Not “Someone Else’s Problem”
Ask around on any construction site and you’ll hear the same answer:
“Not my job. The boss handles that.”
Here’s the truth: if QBCC finds out a Site Supervisor isn’t licensed, both the company and the individual are held responsible.
That “no big deal” job suddenly becomes a big legal problem.
Fines.
Project delays.
And sometimes, a career put on hold.
What the Law Actually Says?
Under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Act, anyone supervising building work must personally hold a QBCC Site Supervisor Licence that matches the type of project Low Rise, Medium Rise, or Open.
It’s not enough for your employer to have a Builder Licence.
You need your own individual licence to legally direct trades, approve work, or sign off on site progress.
If you don’t, you’re operating outside the law, even if your boss asked you to.
When Things Go Wrong
When a QBCC audit or complaint exposes an unlicensed supervisor, penalties can stack up fast:
For the supervisor:
- Personal fines of up to 250 penalty units (approximately $30K) for the first offence
- Possible suspension from future licensing
- A compliance record that follows you for years
For the company:
- Much higher penalty units.
- Stop-work orders
- Contract termination or loss of insurance coverage
- Public disciplinary action that damages reputation
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
“The boss handles that” won’t hold up. Both sides share the responsibility and the risk.
Why Compliance Isn’t Red Tape
Many people in construction still see licensing as just more paperwork.
It’s not. It’s protection.
A QBCC Site Supervisor Licence shows that you:
- Understand building codes and workplace safety
- Can manage quality and compliance onsite
- Are accountable for the work you supervise
For businesses, licensing protects insurance, contracts, and client trust.
For individuals, it protects your income, career, and credibility.
The Fix Is Simple
You can avoid most licensing problems with two simple steps.
✅ Employers – Check before handover
Before assigning any supervisor to a project, confirm their licence class and expiry date through the QBCC licence register.
Keep a copy on file for audits or tenders.
✅ Supervisors – Get licensed before you get caught
If you’re already running a site, don’t wait for an inspection.
Start the process now, it’s faster and cheaper than fixing a breach later.
At QBCC Express, we help both companies and individuals stay compliant without the headaches.
We handle everything from eligibility checks and RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) to documentation and lodgement.
You keep building. We keep you compliant.
The Bigger Picture
Compliance isn’t about fear. It’s about standards.
When everyone on a site is licensed, projects run smoother, communication improves, and clients trust the process.
That benefits the entire industry.
And here’s the best part, once you’re licensed, new doors open:
- You can lead larger projects
- Apply for better roles
- Negotiate higher pay
- Work independently if you choose
Licensing isn’t the end of paperwork. It’s the start of opportunity.
Who Should Take Responsibility?
Both sides. Always.
Companies should verify every supervisor before a project begins.
Supervisors should take ownership of their own credentials.
Because when compliance fails, everyone pays.
But when compliance works, everyone wins, safely, legally, and proudly.
So next time someone shrugs and says, “Not my problem,” remind them:
It’s everyone’s responsibility.
Compliance isn’t about blame, it’s about pride in doing things right.
Because when you’re licensed, you don’t just avoid risk; you build a stronger career and a safer industry.
Who gets fined if a Site Supervisor isn’t licensed?
Both the employer and the individual. QBCC holds each party accountable for breaches. Construction managers have the same obligations as for a licenced contractor. You must make sure that any work carried out by licensed contractors for a principal is supervised by an appropriately licensed person. Costs to fix defective or substandard work can be high. In extreme cases, fixing poor quality work has forced licensed contractors to close their business and/or declare bankruptcy. It is in a contractor's best interest to be diligent in supervision and quality control.
What are the penalties for unlicensed supervision?
Fines can reach $30 000 for individuals, plus stop-work orders and contract losses for the company.
Can experience replace a licence?
No. Experience helps you qualify, but you still need an approved qualification or RPL assessment to hold a licence.
How can a business check licence validity?
Search the QBCC licence register online to verify class, status, and expiry date.
How long does it take to become licensed?
If you already have the qualification, it usually takes 1–2 weeks.
If you need RPL first, allow 3–6 weeks.