A Victorian man has been convicted and fined $9500 for using another registered builder's status to apply for building permits for five commercial building projects.
Melbourne man James Kovacevic appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 18 November 2021 following a VBA investigation.
He pleaded guilty to providing a false statement to a person carrying out a function under the Building Act.
Mr Kovacevic has never been a registered builder in Victoria, however he applied for building permits using another person's building registration for projects in South Yarra, Richmond and the Melbourne CBD, without the knowledge of that individual.
The court heard that the total value of the work authorised by the building permits was $1.53 million and Magistrate Ross Maxted remarked that his actions were designed to increase commercial gain.
In sentencing Magistrate Maxted indicated that he saw no redeeming feature in the offending and a conviction was appropriate, in part, as the offending was motivated by monetary gain.
The Victorian Building Authority's (VBA) Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, David Brockman, said Magistrate Maxted referred to Mr Kovacevic's actions as 'flagrant offending' as it was without consent.
"The Magistrate observed the fact that it is important for builders to be registered, to protect the Victorian public and keep them safe," Mr Brockman said.
"While the vast majority of builders do the right thing, it's a small minority who break the rules and take work away from reputable builders.
"Before you engage a builder, you should check whether they are registered and whether they are who they say they are."
Victorians wanting to engage a builder or plumber can visit vba.vic.gov.au/find to find a licenced or registered practitioner.
The VBA has an online consumer resource portal with information for anyone who is experiencing issues with builders or plumbers.
