Elise Archer,Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs
Public consultation has begun on the proposed model for a Home Warranty Insurance scheme for Tasmania, with a Consultation Paper now available for discussion.
Our Government recognises that building a home is the most significant investment many Tasmanians make, and this will ensure Tasmanians who build a home have the appropriate protections in place if their builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent.
The Home Warranty Insurance Consultation Paper details the key parameters and models of home warranty insurance, and outlines a number of options for how it could work effectively in Tasmania. It has been developed in close consultation with the Department of Treasury.
The proposed features for a Tasmanian Home Warranty Insurance scheme seek to balance consumer protection with cost, and therefore uses a “last resort” model, which is consistent with most Australian jurisdictions.
The re-introduction of Home Warranty Insurance in Tasmania will complement other changes already being implemented by the Tasmanian Government to strengthen consumer protections within our building regulatory framework.
Our Government recognises the importance of a building regulatory framework that is fit for purpose, providing a range of contemporary and appropriate protections for the benefit of consumers undertaking residential building work.
I thank the members of the building industry for their support so far and strongly encourage them to engage in this consultation process, to get the best model for a Home Warranty Insurance scheme in Tasmania.
To view the Consultation Paper and for details on how to make a submission, go to https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/haveyoursay.
I also encourage everyone with an interest in this important issue to jump online and have their say before submissions close on Monday, 6 June 2022.
