For anyone who is not aware; when accessing the Home Warranty Insurance (HWI) this appears to be a "Get Out of Jail Free Card" for the QBCC........

QBCC Regulation 2018 - Schedule 6, Part 5, Division 2, Section 59 

59 - Defect in work apparent before work substantially complete

A consumer for residential construction work is not entitled to claim assistance in relation to a defect in the work if—

     (a) the residential construction work is substantially complete; and

     (b) the defect was apparent, or ought reasonably to have been apparent, to the

          consumer before the work was substantially complete.

What does 'Substantially Complete' mean?

The QBCC 2018 (Regulation) defines substantial completion as follows:

"substantially complete", for residential construction work, means at least 1 of the following applies in relation to the work—

(a) the final payment under the contract for the work is made;

(b) if the residential construction work is for the erection or construction of a

residence-the residence is occupied;

(c) the built work is able to be used for its intended purpose despite the work not

complying with the contract because of a cosmetic difference."