The Property Council of Australia has welcomed today’s agreement by Commonwealth, State and Territory building ministers on a national approach to implementation of reforms which will lead to better enforcement and compliance with building standards and regulation.
Ministers have agreed to progress the Shergold Weir reforms through the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
“This is a very welcome and important step towards addressing issues around building regulation compliance and enforcement at a national level,” said Ken Morrison, Chief Executive of the Property Council.
“We are pleased that ministers have listened to the concerns of the building, construction, insurance and property industries about the inconsistent approach that has been taken to date, particularly on issues such as combustible cladding, as well as building standards and professional integrity,” Mr Morrison said.
The ABCB is a well-run and well-regarded agency, but in order manage this substantial growth in focus beyond writing the National Construction Code, the offer of Minister Andrews to fund a taskforce now needs to go towards funding the ABCB to expand its capabilities, and ensure its governance structure is fit for purpose with an expanded mandate.
“There is still a lot of hard work to be done – particularly around a consistent approach to addressing cladding issues and in resolving insurance problems – but this has been a big and welcome step forward today and we congratulate the ministers on taking it,” Mr Morrison said.
