Victoria’s building and plumbing industries have a very significant impact on the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of everyday people.
Whether it’s the tens of thousands of practitioners who are registered and licensed to construct our buildings, to the many who are buying new homes and apartments, the construction industry has a direct impact on us all.
Earlier this month, I had the honour and privilege to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Building Authority.
The complexity of Victoria’s building industry is matched by the regulatory system within which it sits.
Recent industry challenges have highlighted opportunities to improve and reform existing systems and I look forward to working with Government and industry to make these a reality.
In my previous roles as Commissioner for Better Regulation and Chair of the Expert Panel into Building System Reform, I have worked with many regulators in Victoria and seen how efficiencies can be bought into the sector. I am buoyed by the renewed focus on consumer protection and building reform.
In May, the Victorian Government announced it is delivering a package of reforms for the construction sector, including more powers for building regulators to monitor whether practitioners are meeting their obligations regarding Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) with new penalties for failing to comply. In June, the passing of the Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 through the Victorian parliament, set out numerous reforms that will reshape the regulatory landscape in Victoria, with a particular focus on consumers. The details of the Bill can be found in this newsletter.
The VBA has a key role in implementing these reforms, and I look forward to working with industry and key stakeholders to make this happen.
Anna Cronin Chief Executive Officer Victorian Building Authority |
In this edition…
Plumbing practitioner penalised and directed to complete professional development
A plumbing practitioner has been penalised and ordered to pay more than $10,000 after 17 instances of defective workmanship were found at a property in Northcote.
Research report into fire safety of Building Integrated Photovoltaics is now available
The VBA supported a research project led by RMIT University to better understand the fire safety risks associated with the installation of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) on the facades of multi-storey buildings.
Build Aware campaign visits Sunraysia
In June, three Victorian regulators, including team members from the VBA, carried out inspections in and around Mildura, as part of the Build Aware campaign.
Latest Proactive Inspections Program report is now available
The VBA’s Proactive Inspections Program involves checking building and plumbing works under construction throughout Victoria.
Key provisions relating to the Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
The Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) was recently passed in the Victorian Parliament and implements a number of reforms that will reshape the regulatory landscape in Victoria, with a key focus on consumer protection.
Water ingress consumer safety guide updated
Consumers, building and plumbing practitioners are encouraged to read the VBA’s recently updated consumer guide, Water ingress in balconies, decks and terraces.
Building Surveyors Conference 2023 takes place on 16 August
A reminder that the 2023 Building Surveyors Conference will take place on Wednesday, 16 August at the Pullman Hotel, Albert Park.
Extension of the sunsetting of the Security of Payment Regulations
The VBA wishes to advise that the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Regulations 2013 have been remade with no changes ahead of the 10-year sunset period.
