WA’s building regulator has issued a reminder about licence requirements for building work after a Perth business and its directors were fined a total of $17,000 plus legal costs for taking on a commercial fit-out without the required registration.
Building and Energy’s advice follows the conviction at Perth Magistrates Court of Little Fitout Company Pty Ltd, Shaun Gregory Milton and Benjamin Roy Howgill McFarlane under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011.
This law makes it an offence to contract for or carry out a prescribed building service without registration as a building service contractor.
The court was told the owner of an Innaloo commercial premises engaged Little Fitout in 2022 for interior construction and fit-out work.
Little Fitout was not a registered building service contractor, but its quote included services that require this registration – such as building internal walls and arches, painting and the supply and installation of custom joinery, ceilings and floors, as well as oversight of lighting, electrical and plumbing work under the contract.
Little Fitout is now in liquidation. In court on 4 April 2025, Mr Milton pleaded guilty to the registration offence as an officer of the company. Mr McFarlane did not appear in court.
Magistrate Catherine Crawford issued fines of $12,500 to Little Fitout, $2,000 to Mr Milton and $2,500 to Mr McFarlane. Each party was also ordered pay $707 costs.
Building Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan urged consumers to check their building service provider is appropriately registered before entering into a contract by searching the Building and Energy website or the ServiceWA app.
“Registration as a building contractor is required for building work valued at more than $20,000 that requires a building permit,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“To gain registration, a builder must show they have the skills, experience and financial stability to provide safe and compliant work.”
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
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