Queensland Consumer Watch spokesman Paul Tully described the initiative as a tremendous advance for consumers.
"This will go a long way to weeding out shonky, unregistered agents who continue to fleece the community across the state."
This is a full copy of the Ministerial Media Release issued by the Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Peter Lawlor:
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
28/06/2009
Online licence search launched
In the past year more than 40 people in Queensland have been disciplined or prosecuted by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for failing to be properly licensed.
OFT investigators have taken action against eight security providers, 20 real estate agents and 14 motor dealers who have been operating in Queensland without the relevant licence.
Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said dealing with unlicensed operators such as motor dealers, security providers and real estate agents placed consumers and businesses at risk.
"Licensing ensures operators meet minimum standards of competency for those industries regulated by OFT," he said.
"There are several occupations regulated by OFT and by law they are required to be licensed before they can work in Queensland," Mr Lawlor said.
Occupations regulated by OFT include real estate, motor dealing, auctioneers, second-hand dealers, pawnbrokers as well as security providers, travel agents and debt collectors.
"These licences are a safeguard for consumers and businesses and ensure that those people working in the industries are reputable and operate with a high level of professionalism," he said.
Consumers and businesses will soon be able to search an online register to check if the people or firms they are dealing with are licensed, which is important for consumer confidence.
"From 1 July an online search facility of licence holders will be available on the OFT website," Mr Lawlor said.
"The register will be a free online service and will list all licence holders under the:
• Introduction Agents Act 2001
• Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000
• Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2003
• Security Providers Act 1993
• Tourism Services Act 2003
• Travel Agents Act 1988
Consumers and businesses will be able to search for a licence holder's name or their licence number to check if they hold the appropriate licence.
The online search facility will be available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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