Pilot program puts tradie safety first

Queensland’s building regulator has launched a ground-breaking pilot program to raise financial reporting and safety standards across the state.

Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is offering two courses in its first pilot of Compulsory Continuing Professional Development (CCPD).

"A strong construction industry is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government's economic recovery plan," Mr de Brenni said.

“The CCPD program is the result of a submission made by building industry associations to Queensland’s Ministerial Construction Council.

“We’ve listened to industry groups like the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders who told us they wanted a program to help raise building standards.

“That’s exactly what the QBCC is delivering with CCPD.”

“The training also takes a significant step towards delivering on a key recommendation of the Building Confidence Report which called for all practitioners to undertake compulsory Continuing Professional Development on the National Construction Code.

“The 2018 report by Peter Shergold and Bronwyn Weir was commissioned by the Building Ministers’ Forum after major building failures in southern states.

“This pilot program adopts an approach which has been specifically geared up for Queensland and the unique conditions of this state.”

QBCC Commissioner Brett Bassett said the QBCC has collaborated with industry bodies, unions, independent organisations, and government over the past two years to develop a framework and pilot project for CCPD.

“I’m proud to announce that the QBCC has created and is delivering a CCPD program to benefit licensees participating in it, and the consumers who will contract with them in future,” Mr Bassett said.

“The program’s courses on financial reporting and safety reporting obligations are subjects that greatly influence the sustainability and wellbeing of the industry and its participants.

“This is a great initiative from the QBCC, as CCPD programs are not currently available to the majority of our licensees.

“A review at the program’s completion will help inform government policy on introducing a CCPD scheme for the industry.”

Master Builders Deputy CEO Paul Bidwell said the introduction of a CPD program for the building industry was an essential part of safeguarding building quality and enabling efficient construction in Queensland.

“We’ve been advocating for a CPD scheme for many years and it’s an initiative that has overwhelming support from all sectors of the industry,” Mr Bidwell said.

“Our goal is to raise the bar, particularly for new residential builders, and equip them with the right knowledge and competencies that help them to succeed in their business.”   

The pilot program runs until the end of 2021 and will also help the QBCC to identify future professional development needs.

CCPD programs currently apply to private certifiers, architects, pool safety inspectors and engineers.

Course Subjects:

Minimum Financial Requirements and Annual Financial Reporting Obligations

The course provides a concise overview of MFR, critical concepts and easy-to-understand guidance on how to meet MFR and annual reporting obligations. The course is targeted to licensees in MFR categories of Self-certifying 1, Self-certifying 2 and Categories 1, 2 and 3 only.

Safety Obligations (sections 48 and 54A of the QBCC Act)

Participants will be provided with a concise understanding of their obligations under sections 48 and 54A of the QBCC Act, how to notify the QBCC of safety incidents, and guidance on how to implement safe work management systems in their businesses and on worksites.

ENDS

Media contact:  Richard O’Leary 0447155332