{"id":20617,"date":"2026-05-29T05:22:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T05:22:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/20617\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T05:22:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T05:22:22","slug":"tradies-warned-of-new-5000-on-the-spot-fines-after-spike-in-dodgy-act-report-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/20617\/","title":{"rendered":"Tradies warned of new $5,000 on-the-spot fines after spike in dodgy act: ‘Report them’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tradies in one state<\/a> are being warned of new fines<\/a> for unlicensed work, with Aussies being urged to spot red flags when hiring people to get jobs done.<\/p>\n

The South Australian<\/a> government has introduced new measures to crack down on dodgy tradies, with increased penalties coming into effect.<\/p>\n

What will tradies be fined for?<\/p>\n

Penalties will now soar to $150,000 for individuals and $550,000 for companies for repeat offences, following an increase in complaints over the past year<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Fresh offenders who undertake unlicensed work<\/a> can now cop an on-the-spot fine of $5000.<\/p>\n

This includes hiring unlicensed subcontractors to undertake licensed work, using another contractor’s licence number and falsely claiming to be licensed or registered.<\/p>\n

South Australia\u2019s Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Michael Brown, told Yahoo News it is very concerning to see a rise in \u201cso many\u201d complaints from residents feeling ripped off by rogue tradies<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Unlicensed work could see companies hit with a $550,000 fine for repeat offences. Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are cracking down with much harsher penalties,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost builders and tradies do the right thing; however, there is no excuse for operating without a licence and performing substandard work and then leaving people in the lurch.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways take the time to compare the quotes from different businesses and make sure everyone who provides a quote is licensed. If they are not, report them to Consumer and Business Service.\u201d<\/p>\n

RELATED <\/p>\n

Steps to take before hiring a tradie<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been recommended that residents should search online for independent reviews of a tradesperson and ask friends and family for recommendations.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t assume someone will be cheap to do a job and then agree to it; there could be additional fees.<\/p>\n

Always take the time to compare the quotes from different businesses. Make sure everyone who provides a quote is licensed, and conduct independent research on the business.<\/p>\n

Have you been a victim of business fraud? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Premier<\/p>\n

The Peter Malinauskas government is cracking down on dodgy tradies in South Australia. Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

When hiring a tradesperson, people should seek advice from at least three businesses, request quotes, and check whether the tradesperson is licensed.<\/p>\n

To seek a tradie\u2019s license, ask to see their digital\/plastic licence card, look up their details on the CBS licensing register, and call CBS on 131 882.<\/p>\n

You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n