WHERE YOUR MP STANDS ON SUBBIES
TWO Gold Coast MPs say they support the key principles of the Government’s Bill to protect sub contractors – but seven are silent on the issue that has seen businesses lose millions in building company collapses.
Housing Minister Mick de Brenni yesterday introduced reforms that would reintroduce mandatory financial reporting for builders to retain their QBCC licence, project bank accounts and increased power for the Queensland Building and Construction Commission to enter sites and demand financial reports.
The proposal would also ban anyone who has been secretly involved in running a construction company that goes bankrupt from holding a licence.
The Gold Coast Bulletin asked each of the Gold Coast’s 10 LNP State MPs whether they supported mandatory financial reporting for builders to retain their QBCC licence; project bank accounts to protect subcontractors; QBCC power to enter sites and premises and to demand financial reports from construction companies; and banning anyone who has been secretly involved in running a construction company that goes bankrupt or has its building licence revoked.
Southport MP Rob Molhoek, who is Deputy Chair of the Public Works and Utilities Committee said he supported the principles.
“Fundamentally I’m supportive of it – but I haven’t seen the detail,” he said.
Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek said the principles were “fine” but the legislation had to be workable.
Burleigh MP Michael Hart said he supported “all sub contractors and builders being paid for the work they do”.
Albert MP Mark Boothman and Broadwater MP Verity Barton gave similar responses that did not address the ways the system could be strengthened.
Coomera MP Michael Crandon, Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens, Gaven MP Sid Cramp and Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey declined to comment.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls declined to say whether he supported the principles revealed in parliament but a statement from his office said they would review the Bill once they’d seen it.
“Subbies need to be paid what they are owed,” the statement said.