Queensland tradies warned against illegal activity

Queensland tradies have been warned against submitting false statutory declarations, with the local government stating police action will be taken against those who do not comply with state laws.

Housing and public works minister Bruce Flegg said statutory declarations were compulsory for contractors working on government building projects.

"Most state government building contracts required a signed, original statutory declaration to be submitted with each payment claim, declaring amongst other things that all workers and subcontractors of the contractor have been paid all that is due and owing," Mr Flegg explained.

"These statutory declarations are not just another piece of paper to sign when submitting a payment claim - they are important legal documents governed by the Oaths Act 1867."

Tradesmen who sign a declaration knowing that is false, may be found guilty of a criminal offence and will referred to Queensland Police.

Mr Flegg said statutory declarations were vital in ensuring the proper payment of subcontractors in the building and construction industry. 

Persons found to have signed false declarations would also be referred to the Queensland Building Services Authority, where they may then have their building licence seized.