Proposed changes to the Building Act and its Effects

The Building Act 1993 is currently being reviewed by the Victorian Government, who stated:

The Victorian Government is committed to delivering a building system that provides safe, compliant and durable housing and buildings. This requires a workforce of skilled and experienced practitioners and a strong and viable system of regulation to enforce compliance. This Bill makes a series of legislative amendments that will implement reforms to reshape the regulatory landscape in Victoria, with a key focus on consumer protection, which the Government has placed at the centre of the process, heralding a new era for the integrity of building regulation in Victoria.Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing)

The Building, Planning and Heritage Legislation Amendment (Administration and Other Matters) Bill 2022 was introduced on 21 June 2022. It aims to strengthen consumer protection

Key proposed changes

To provide for the appointment of a State Building Surveyor (SBS)

This extends the role of the SBS, giving them the power to provide technical advice to building surveyors, builders and plumbers

Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor (MBS) will need to inspect some buildings (residential apartments) before the relevant building surveyor can issue an occupancy permit.

Expand cladding levy funds to organisations other than Cladding Safety Victoria

Takeaway points

Create greater oversight in the construction industry

The cost of additional inspections and compliance will need to be factored into construction costs.