New boss for building industry watchdog

The former Deputy CEO of Service NSW Steve Griffin has been appointed as the head of Queensland’s new building industry watchdog, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said he was pleased to have someone of Mr Griffin’s calibre in the role.

“The construction industry is one of the pillars of the Queensland economy that we promised at the election to grow and we need to have a regulator that reflects that significance,” Mr Mander said.

“During his 30 year career, Mr Griffin has led significant regulatory reforms in a range of sectors with a particular focus on the building and construction industry.”

Mr Mander said prior to taking on the role of QBCC Commissioner Mr Griffin’s career included stints as a Deputy Commissioner of Fair Trading in NSW, as Chair of Building Licensing Australasia from 2004 to 2007 and on the Disciplinary Committee of the Building Professionals Board in New South Wales.

“Mr Griffin is also a former detective in the NSW Police Force where he played a major role in high profile investigations into corruption and organised crime,” he said.

The QBCC will improve oversight which had lapsed under Labor and help drive growth in the sector, which remains one of the largest employers in the State.

Mr Mander said as well as being responsible for licensing contractors, dispute resolution and the Home Warranty Scheme, the QBCC would also be tasked with delivering the remainder of the Government’s 10 point action plan to overhaul the industry regulator including:

•reviewing the role of private certifiers
•developing an improved suite of domestic building contracts
•developing a rapid domestic dispute resolution model to fast track domestic building disputes

The QBCC website is www.qbcc.qld.gov.au and its contact number is 1300 272 272.

Online enquiries can be made to the QBCC at info@qbcc.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 30 January 2014

Media contact: Martin Kennedy 0407 643 998