Role, scope and compliance policy

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS), is a business unit of the Department of Justice in the Tasmanian government.

We work towards a fair, just and safe Tasmania through the delivery of equitable, efficient and effective consumer, building and occupational regulation.

To do this, we:

Advise and educate consumers, tenants, businesses and landlords on their rights, responsibilities and changes to the law
Review and advise the state government on consumer legislation and industry codes
Advise and educate consumers and people in the building industry about the state’s building legislation and national standards
Register and license businesses and occupations
Conciliate disputes between consumers and traders, tenants and landlords, and consumers and building practitioners
Enforce and ensure compliance with consumer laws, building laws and gas and electricity safety standards.

Scope

We advise and assist on topics including renting and accommodation, building, shopping and trading.

We license or register and regulate a range of occupations including motor vehicle traders, conveyancers, security officers, and people working with children or vulnerable adults.

We license a range of occupations in the building industry including builders, building surveyors, architects, engineers, designers, owner builders, plumbers, electricians, gas-fitters and automotive gas-fitters.

Our goals:

Improve trading practices and safeguard the community
Increase the capacity of consumers and industries to understand and exercise their rights and obligations
Develop and manage systems and processes that support the effective operation of our services
Build the skills of our staff to maximise the effective operation of our services
Strengthen the organisational culture to support and positive and productive workplace

Our compliance policy

For information on how we ensure compliance with consumer laws and building laws, read our Service delivery - accountability and commitment policy Sep 2017 (pdf, 5.5 MB).

Engagement and audit program
For information on CBOS audit and compliance activities read:

CBOS engagement and audit program 2018-2019 (pdf, 445.7 KB)
Fact Sheet - CBOS Audit Program (pdf, 240.2 KB)

Consumer, Building And Occupational Services