The ACT Government is committed to protecting homeowners by strengthening building quality expectations in the ACT.
Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne has delivered the first Ministerial Statement of Expectations to the Construction Occupations Registrar (Registrar) in accordance with the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.
The ACT Government has implemented a range of policy measures aimed at addressing building quality, with further reforms on the way. This statement builds on the hard work and achievements of the Registrar by formalising the ministerial expectations in addressing building quality in the ACT. The statement has been drafted in consultation with the Registrar.
"Overall, I expect the Registrar to apply their statutory powers to protect homeowners from the significant financial, emotional and physical harm that can come from poor building quality outcomes, and to instil in the ACT community a greater confidence in the construction sector," said Minister Cheyne.
The Statement recognises the importance of ensuring licensees are held accountable for building quality and recognises the need to improve community confidence in the sector.
"The regulation and licencing of the construction industry is imperative in ensuring positive building quality outcomes for the Territory. By prioritising resourcing to proactively identify defects or non-compliance issues early, the Registrar will be able to constructively support licensees in shaping a strong practitioner community."
The priority areas of the Statement include:
- Ensuring construction meets the relevant standards and is compliant with the Building Code
- Holding occupational licensees to account for poor building quality outcomes
- Taking appropriate regulatory action to prevent future building quality issues
- Improving community confidence in the building and construction industry in the ACT
"The Registrar will undertake these functions as an independent body and will report regularly on emerging issues, allowing Access Canberra to respond proactively to emerging risks and issues before they become a larger problem," Minister Cheyne said.
"Access Canberra will continue to regularly engage with and support the industry in various ways, including providing licensees with regular information about their activities and construction standards.
"When people walk into their new home, they should have the confidence and peace of mind that building quality standards have been met. It's important that the ACT community feels that they can trust the work of developers and builders. Canberrans expect their government to take the necessary action to keep them safe.
"With our population rapidly increasing and more people choosing to call the ACT home, ensuring our homes are safe and building quality is up to code is essential to community wellbeing."
Members of the community can find information about the construction industry and report issues on the Build, Buy, Renovate portal at www.planning.act.gov.au/build-buy-renovate.
