Prosecution outcome – VBA v Westley Buhagiar
The VBA prosecuted Mr Westley Buhagiar in the Moorabbin Magistrates Court after he conducted domestic building working without proper registration.
Mr Buhagiar was charged with three offences under the Building Act 1993:
- Section 16 - undertaking building work without the required permit
- Section 169F – carrying out building work under a major domestic building contract without registration
- Section136(2) - undertaking building work without insurance
The Magistrate handed down a $12,500 fine and convicted Mr Buhagiar of the offences.
Mr Buhagiar undertook building work at a Caulfield property without registration in the required category of domestic builder, without insurance, or the necessary building permit. The work was defective and needed to be remedied by another builder, which cost the home owners approximately $27,000.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has an online consumer resource portal with information for anyone who is experiencing issues with builders or plumbers.
Victorians can visit vba.vic.gov.au/check to make sure their builder or plumber is registered or licensed.