With reports today that the Government is granting an exemption for increased BASIX standards for contracts signed before October 1, Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has re-iterated the calls of the NSW Opposition for the Government to defer the introduction of increased BASIX standards for twelve months in line with other States.
“Industry and the Opposition have called on the Government to defer the implementation of increased BASIX standards for twelve months, in line with other States, because both Industry and the Government are simply not ready for this to roll out on 1 October” Mr Farlow said.
“Reports that the Government will exempt contracts signed before 1 October from the higher standards is half-baked and simply won’t address this fundamental problem.”
“A twelve-month deferral will allow supply chains sufficient time to adjust and for the most cost effective solutions to be achieved for purchasers and it would bring NSW into line with other States and not jeopardise home construction in NSW.”
“The DIY tool from the Department of Planning is still not available to industry to be able to properly cost and design the right materials to comply with the regulation with the increased standards seven weeks out from the Government’s planned implementation.”
“The feedback from industry is clear – if these changes are implemented on 1 October they will threaten the supply of housing and add significant additional costs to purchasers at a time when they’re already being impacted by the largest interest rate rises in a decade.”
“The construction industry has seen costs escalate by more than 12% in the last year, if these changes are implemented on 1 October, purchasers will be footing additional bills that they simply can’t afford, all at a time when the Government has just introduced a new tax on the construction of new homes.”
“This is in addition to some first home-buyers having to foot additional stamp duty costs of up to $66,000 on median priced houses as a result of Chris Minns’ repeal of the First Homebuyers Choice scheme.”
“The Opposition remains committed to the Sustainable Buildings SEPP but call on the Government to defer its implementation to ensure these reforms will be achievable and not jeopardise new homes in NSW,” Mr Farlow said
