QBCC reforms are being implemented to coincide with the introduction of a new Photo ID QBCC Licence Card.  QBCC has also introduced a suite of new licence application forms and supporting assessment procedures, so let’s break down what that means for you. 

SUMMARY OF QBCC LICENSING CHANGES 

CURRENT QBCC LICENCE HOLDERS 

If you are already a QBCC licence holder, QBCC may have already contacted you about the transition to digital licensing.  The QBCC has partnered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to include QBCC licences on the Queensland Government Digital Licence App. This collaboration is designed to give licensees increased anti-fraud protections through photo identification and will work much like a digital Queensland driver’s licence.   

Other States have had Photo ID Builder Licences and Trade Licences for some time, and it is not surprising that QBCC have followed suit.  Photos are being added to QBCC licence cards to make verification of licensed individuals easier. Older designs of the QBCC Licence card without the photo will still be valid. This means you will see old QBCC Licence cards and new photo ID QBCC licence card designs, as the industry transitions to photo licence cards. 

We expect that  QBCC will manage the transition of existing licence holders and licensees by offering to move to the photo licence cards at next renewal. If you are already licensed keep an eye on your emails and letterbox for any information from QBCC about what you need to do to meet the new passport photo and ID requirements.   

QBCC LICENCE APPLICATION REFORMS 

The next big change is the QBCC Licence Application forms. These have undergone a comprehensive review, with a full new redesign based on ’industry feedback and insights’.   

As mentioned above, the changes to the QBCC licence application forms include provisions to support new photo-ID licence cards for new applicants or existing licence holders. The scope of information required has also increased. From Construction Licensing’s perspective, many of the changes introduce a streamline aspect to some of the more organic information that can turn up on an application form, but there are some potential disadvantages if you are not within easy reach of a QBCC branch.  

Whether you are already licensed or applying for your QBCC Builders Licence, QBCC Trade Licence or QBCC Site Supervisor licence for the first time, here’s the key take-aways from this transition. 

• The transition period is currently in effect. The implementation of new forms and photo ID standards was introduced on 27 August 2024, prospective applicants have until 22 October 2024 to apply using the existing application forms. This means that if you have already started your application, the QBCC will accept the old version of the forms up until 22 October 2024 – however, you may be requested to provide ID under the new requirements for your application to be assessed. 

• From 22 October 2024, the QBCC will only accept hard copies of applications, either by mail or lodged in person at a QBCC Service Centre. This is regardless of whether you are a new applicant or upgrading your existing construction licence. 

• QBCC Builder Licence and QBCC Restricted Builders Licence Applications now heavily emphasise the technical and specific information of your role on site.

Miss the cut-off? Don’t worry about it – Construction Licensing can help you get your application sorted on the new forms. Give us a call

IMPACTS 

So, how might this affect you? 

• If you are looking to upgrade your current Trade licence by adding additional licence classes, you will be required to provide certified ID and witnessed Passport Photos as per the new standards, regardless of how long you have held your licence. 

• There are just 9 QBCC Service Centres across QLD; if you live in an outer city or regional area, you may end up preferring to lodge your physical application by registered mail.  

• The additional processing time to receive, store and distribute physical applications, in addition to the ID requirements is likely to impact on QBCC processing times, in the short and medium term 

• The new Builders Licence and Restricted Builders Licence application forms are much more intense, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your building knowledge – but the rigorous nature of some of the questions may end up disadvantaging your genuine experience, if your application is not assessed from a holistic and procedurally fair perspective. 

LOOKING FORWARD 

This is only the first iteration of these new forms, and it is reasonable to expect there will be further refinement in the future. 

It remains to be seen as to whether these reforms to the QBCC Licence Applications will increase the standard of licence applications, the applicants, the referees, and/or enable the administration to assess applications from an efficient, consistent and holistic standpoint. There will certainly be some hurdles – the resources to receive and assess physical applications exclusively is likely to be quite a step up from current requirements, as historically speaking digital applications have been accepted for many years.  

Construction Licensing supports evolution towards a more transparent, industry-engaged regulator. We often encounter people for whom the old forms were too much at a time when they’re too busy – so the jury is out when it comes to how incentivised the average person is to go through what is now a much longer set of paperwork, or if it’s just going to be overwhelming. 

Time will tell – whether good or bad, these changes are coming.  

If you are thinking about getting started with your Trade Licence, Builders Licence, or upgrading a licence you already have, act now to have Eyour application submitted by 22nd October 2024.