Building certification under review

A major review will shine a light on the building certification industry, following concerns raised about lapses in the Mackay region.

Housing and Public Works Minister Tim Mander said the review was part of the Government's strong plan to grow the construction industry and ensure it has a bright future, as promised at the election.

“The construction industry employs around a quarter of a million people state-wide and is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy so we need to make sure it's operating the way it should,” Mr Mander said.

“Earlier this year we became aware of potential issues with certification in Mackay relating to framing requirements in high wind areas.

“A subsequent compliance audit by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission inspected 112 properties and identified 11 which failed to meet acceptable framing requirements.

“Those results are unacceptable which is why we need to take a close look at the certification system as a whole.”

Mr Mander said the review would examine probity, conflicts of interest, quality and accountability for private certifiers to ensure the certification system was responsive to the needs of consumers and the industry.

“As well as looking at certification the review will examine potential improvements to the Building Act that will further cut costs and reduce delays,” he said.

The review will be led by construction-law barrister and licensed builder Andrew Wallace and will involve extensive consulting throughout the state.

A discussion paper is available at:

http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/ReviewOfTheBuildingAct1975AndBuildingCertificationInQueenslandDiscussionPaper.pdf

Written submissions in response to the discussion paper can be made by email or posted:

Email:
buildingcodes@qld.gov.au
Email subject line: Review of the Building Act 1975 and building certification in Queensland

Post:
Review of the Building Act 1975 and building certification in Queensland
GPO Box 2457
Brisbane QLD 4001

[ENDS] 15 June 2014
Media contact: Martin Kennedy 0418 891 943