What this strategy covers
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has published its Compliance and Enforcement Strategy for 2026 to 2030. The strategy outlines how the QBCC will regulate the building and construction industry over the next five years.
A proactive, data-driven approach
The QBCC is moving to a more proactive, data-driven approach that focuses on catching problems early. The strategy includes publishing guidance drawn from audit findings and escalating to firm enforcement only when behaviour is deliberate, repeated, or high-risk.
Defect accountability from 2026
From 2026, the QBCC is strengthening defect accountability. All licensees, including subcontractors, are responsible for the quality of their own work. Principal contractors remain responsible for supervision.
Enforcement toolkit
The strategy covers the full range of regulatory tools available to the QBCC, including:
- Education and advisory engagement
- Licence suspensions
- Penalties
- Public warnings
- Prosecutions
Annual priorities and reporting
Priority focus areas will be published annually. The QBCC will also publish regulatory performance reports so industry and consumers can track trends and outcomes.
Key actions
- Read the full strategy, including Appendix A which lists the QBCC's priority portfolio of harms for the current year, at the QBCC website.
- Licensees and subcontractors are required to review their own documentation and supervision practices - the strategy states that from 2026 all licensees including subcontractors are held responsible for the quality of work they perform.
- The QBCC's annually published priority focus areas and thematic audit findings will be released publicly so emerging risk areas in a trade can be identified before an audit or complaint.
- The strategy states that repeat non-compliance after prior directions will trigger escalating responses including licence conditions, suspension, or prosecution. Acting promptly on any direction to rectify from the QBCC is required under this approach.
- Subscribe to QBCC news and updates at qbcc.qld.gov.au to receive plain-language guidance, common defect summaries, and examples as they are published over 2026-2030.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.