Following the collapse of several high-profile builders and claims of widespread misconduct in Queensland’s construction industry, the Queensland Government has established a Special Joint Taskforce to investigate allegations of misconduct associated with subcontractor non-payment and provide recommendations for legislative reform.
The Special Joint Taskforce has requested industry participants and stakeholders to identify, through confidential submissions, any alleged misconduct which it will enable it to:
- investigate the complaint and refer any illegal conduct to the relevant prosecuting authority; and
- consider the adequacy of current investigative and supervisory powers and provide recommendations on legislative reforms to create a more robust regulatory framework for enforcement.
The Special Joint Taskforce will be led by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Byrne with the help of police detectives, investigators from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and prosecutors from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Premier has stated that, with the creation of the Special Joint Taskforce, the Government will be predominantly targeting the “bigger operators” with the aim of protecting subcontractors being left out of pocket.
Submissions are now being considered and must be made by 5pm Friday, 17 May 2019. Submissions can be made through the online portal here.
Following receipt of the submissions, the Special Joint Taskforce will prepare a final report and provide its recommendations to the Government by 30 June 2019.
CDI Lawyers will keep you up to date with the progress of the Special Joint Taskforce and any legislative changes arising from its investigations and recommendations.
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