Following the WA building regulator’s prosecution of a Perth tradesperson, consumers are reminded that painters must be registered to take on paid painting work valued at $1,000 or more.
At Perth Magistrates Court, the woman was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling $3,000 after pleading guilty to two offences under WA’s building service registration laws. She is not named because the court granted a spent conviction.
The court was told a Shelley homeowner engaged the tradesperson for painting work valued at $8,500. The quotes and invoices included a painter’s registration number that was found to be expired and previously held by another person.
The woman was not registered as, or employed by, a painting contractor. She told the court she no longer works as a tradesperson or carries out painting work.
On 22 October 2025, Deputy Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Woods issued fines of $1,500 and costs of $1,500, noting a trial was about to begin before the guilty plea. Her Honour said some painting work had to be redone, highlighting the reasons for expertise and registration.
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Building and Energy division is the State’s building regulator.
Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney encouraged homeowners to carry out a licence search or check the Register of Painters before engaging someone for painting jobs valued at $1,000 or more.
“Registration aims to protect consumers by ensuring a painter has the appropriate qualifications and experience to take on the project, as well as being a fit and proper person,” Mr Kearney said.
“Shoddy painting work can be expensive and inconvenient to rectify. These offences put consumers at risk and are unfair to painters who have worked hard to gain registration.”
<ENDS>
Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
Print this page
