The amendments to the Building Act 1993 that were passed earlier this year introduced registration for commercial builders as well as expanding powers to introduce a continuing professional development scheme to ensure building practitioners are up to date with the latest building rules, regulations and practices.
The legislation will be rolled out in two stages.
Stage 1 provides a 12 month transition for builders to obtain a commercial registration. During the transition period, a grandfathering initiative provides for current experienced NT builders to be registered without needing to meet qualification requirements.
Stage 2 commences 12 months after Stage 1 when it becomes a legal requirement to have a registered commercial builder for new commercial building work.
This initiative will ensure builders have the appropriate qualifications and experience to build specific buildings, providing greater confidence and safety to the community and reinforcing trust in the local building industry.
The Northern Territory Government is partnering with Master Builders Northern Territory (MBNT) to deliver information sessions about the changes to industry with the following information sessions coming up:
Katherine information session here – Monday 22 April from 3.30pm at the Contour Hotel, Katherine
Darwin information session here – Tuesday 23 April from 3.30pm at Master Builders NT
Alice Springs information session here – Wednesday 1 May from 3.30pm at The Gap View Hotel
Quotes to attribute to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Joel Bowden:
“The Territory Labor Government committed to implement recommendations from the Building Confidence Report – and we’re continuing to deliver that commitment.
“This change means that commercial builders have to be registered – just like residential builders have needed to be since 2006, and are across any updates to building regulations and practices to ensure greater safety for all Territorians.
“We are putting Territorians first by strengthening these protections, and aligning the Northern Territory’s building industry with national standards.
“The legislation ensures that builders have the appropriate qualifications and experience to build specific buildings, and provides for the continuing professional development of our local practitioners.”
