An unlicenced building company that did almost 2000 installation jobs under the Federal Government’s “Home Insulation Program” has been convicted and fined in the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Golden Boss Pty Ltd and its two directors, 35 year old Jie Ying Shen and 30 year old Lu Ning Yang pleaded guilty to carrying on business as a building work contractor without a licence between 30 November 2009 and 18 February 2010 and were fined a total of $18,000.

The Magistrate convicted and fined the company $6,000 and each of the directors $6,000.

Acting Deputy Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Dini Soulio said Consumer and Business Services (CBS) launched an investigation into Golden Boss in early 2010 after it received numerous complaints about aggressive marketing and poor workmanship.

“This company was one of many set up specifically to install home insulation and benefit from the $1200 Federal Government rebate,” he said.

“It appears they came to South Australia from New South Wales when the market there became flooded with competitors.

“Golden Boss was informed that in South Australia a company wanting to install home insulation needed a building licence.

“However, despite warnings to stop work until the licence was granted, the company continued to install insulation,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Soulio said.

Of the ten Golden Boss installations presented to the Court, it was admitted that four were not performed according to acceptable standards.

“CBS licensing laws ensure that insulation installation contractors meet strict requirements including business experience, technical skills and experience and supervision of work.

“This ensures that appropriate standards are met and unfair practices are minimised,” he said.

To report unlicensed builders or for more information, consumers can call Consumer and Business Services on 131 882 or fill in an online report on the CBS website at www.cbs.sa.gov.au.