New free independent building industry review process

A free, independent system to review decisions made by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission has been established, in a significant reform to the building industry.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said that previously, home owners, builders, contractors and certifiers could only appeal the building industry regulator’s decisions in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

“This change is a real boost to anyone bringing a complaint to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission as an internal review will examine decisions about licensing, insurance, rectification orders, bans or exclusions,” Mr Mander said.

“These changes are part of the Government’s strong plan to deliver a brighter future for the building and construction industry, which was ignored by the former Labor government.

“They are another key component in the most significant reforms to the oversight of the industry in more than 20 years.”

Mr Mander, said the free, independent, internal review process was an efficient solution to the current arrangement.

“The internal review decision must be made within 28 days of recieving the application, making the internal review process a very quick and efficient way of resolving concerns with administrative decisions made by the Commission,” he said.

“The changes will also reduce the number of decisions reviewed in QCAT by improving the way decisions are documented and communicated to affected parties.

“If an individual remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal review process, they can still lodge an appeal with QCAT for another review of the decision.”

The Commission will be offering the internal review process to builders, trade contractors, building certifiers and home owners from 1 July 2014. 

The proposed changes to the relevant legislation will be introduced into Parliament by mid-year and are scheduled to formally come into force from 1 September 2014.

[ENDS] 22 May 2014

Media contact: Janette Andrews 0414 248 982