The findings of an independent report with recommendations to improve Australian building safety and compliance headed the agenda at the first meeting of the year of the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF), held in Melbourne.
Over the last six months, Professor Peter Shergold AC and Ms Bronwyn Weir have examined the building regulatory systems across jurisdictions, as well as the broader problems that impact the effective implementation of the National Construction Code (NCC).
The assessment commenced in August 2017, after being commissioned by the BMF in response to a number of significant challenges in building enforcement and compliance across Australia.
“Safety is our top priority when it comes to building regulation, and our compliance and enforcement systems need to be very robust,” Minister Laundy said.
“The Shergold and Weir Report provides the BMF with a comprehensive package of recommendations to establish a national best practice model for compliance and enforcement.”
“This report is our roadmap for reform, and I very much hope the states and territories will carefully consider the report and improve their compliance systems accordingly,” he said.
Minister Laundy said there was strong industry support for a more holistic and nationally consistent approach to regulatory reform.
“The building industry has been calling for greater coordination between all levels of government on reform.
“It is important that we do not lose momentum in progressing this work. I look forward to hearing how jurisdictions will incorporate these recommendations into their efforts to improve compliance.”
The BMF continued its in-depth discussions around how to manage the ongoing risks arising from the non-compliant use of combustible cladding.
The BMF was also briefed by Mr John Murray AM on the national Review of Security of Payment Laws. The BMF agreed to coordinate a response to the report when it is released by the Commonwealth in May 2018.
“The productive meeting of the BMF once again demonstrates the value of continued cooperation between jurisdictions on issues affecting the Australia’s built environment and construction industries,” Minister Laundy said.
Source: Australian Government