Applicants for a Builder’s, Building Surveyor’s or Painter’s registration in Western Australia are being reminded of their responsibilities when using a third party service provider to prepare their applications.

Building Commission acting executive director Ian Munns says that applicants who provide false or misleading information to the Building Services Board may face disciplinary or prosecution action and penalties may incur.

“Applicants may choose to get help from a third party service provider when completing their application for an initial registration or registration renewal,” Ian says.

“Regardless of whether a third party service provider is used, the applicant is responsible for ensuring their application is true and correct before they sign the declaration on the form stating this to be the case.

“Penalties of up to $25,000 apply for making false or misleading statements to the Building Services Board or providing false or misleading information in a registration application.”

The Board recently fined a Maddington builder $5,000 and accepted his request to cancel his registration after he admitted to using incorrect or misleading information to become registered.

The builder claimed a third party service provider had created the majority of the documentation submitted in his registration application.

All applications received by the Building Commission are subject to comprehensive checks to confirm the integrity of the information provided. This verification process is subject to an ongoing review to ensure its effectiveness and applications that have been prepared with the assistance of third party service providers can now be readily identified.

“The registration system is an important protection for consumers and the building industry – it ensures that a person has the qualifications and experience necessary to carry out work to the required standards,” Ian said.

“Applicants should be fully aware of their obligations before they submit a registration application or contact the Building Commission for assistance on 1300 489 099 or bcinfo@dmirs.wa.gov.au.”