The QBCC’s implementation of the latest phase of the Queensland Government’s Building Reg Reno reforms has continued, with Tranche 3 commencing on 1 February 2026.
These reforms provide the QBCC with an opportunity to refine the way they regulate and to make improvements that are intended to reduce red tape, create efficiencies for our customers and make it easier to build in Queensland.
In response to customer feedback, Tranche 3 has enabled the QBCC to make changes to the licensing application processes, continuing their shift towards digital licensing with the following updates:
License forms can be submitted via email
digital signatures will be accepted
simplified ID and photo requirements (replacing certification and introducing a simpler witness process)
credit card fields removed and introduced new secure payment methods
Email is now the QBCC’s preferred way of issuing notices and important correspondence. This includes legislative decisions for licensing, defective work and the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.
Other traditional methods of communication, such as post, may still be used in certain circumstances.
Licensees now have a requirement to keep their email and other contact details current and to notify the QBCC within 14 days of any changes. A penalty of up to 10 penalty units may apply if they fail to do so.
Under the reforms, it is now easier for licensees to meet notifiable incident reporting requirements.
Licensees now only need to report notifiable incidents to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ). WHSQ will share this information with the QBCC so they can maintain safety oversight.
Reporting requirements remain the same, and licensees must still report any contravention of a notice or injunction under the WHS Act or Electrical Safety Act to the QBCC.
Penalties for failing to report a notifiable incident have increased from 80 penalty units to 100 penalty units, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate reporting.
The Department of Housing and Public works has a dedicated Building Reg Reno webpage with all the latest information on these changes. If SPASA members have further questions, please feel free to contact [email protected].