Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Professions and Trades
Builders
Quick Take
1The experience requirement for a QBCC builder's licence does not require an applicant to demonstrate experience in each and every item of the scope of work; the question is whether, viewed practically and as a whole, the experience properly constitutes the requisite period across the scope of work (applying Reed v QBCC [2025] QCAT 447).
2The QBCC's 'procedural position' that experience gained prior to obtaining the required technical qualification is categorically unacceptable is not supported by the legislation or case law, particularly where the applicant already held substantial trade licences and was not in the 'learning phase' of a builder's career.
3Referee reports from persons holding equivalent interstate builder's licences should not be dismissed solely because the referees do not hold a QBCC-issued licence; the question left open is whether the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cth) compels recognition, but at minimum interstate licensure is relevant to the referee's standing.
