The ACT’s Construction Occupations Registrar has been issued with his first Ministerial Statement of Expectations to protect homeowners by strengthening building quality in the Territory.
Issuing her Statement of Expectations, the Minister for Business and Better Regulation, Tara Cheyne said the Statement built on the hard work and achievements of the Registrar by formalising the Ministerial expectations in addressing building quality in the ACT.
Ms Cheyne said the Statement was drafted in consultation with the Registrar.
“Overall, I expect the Registrar to apply their statutory powers to protect homeowners from the significant financial, emotional and physical harm that can come from poor building quality outcomes, and to instil in the ACT community a greater confidence in the construction sector,” Ms Cheyne said.
“The Statement recognises the importance of ensuring licensees are held accountable for building quality and recognises the need to improve community confidence in the sector,” she said.
“The regulation and licencing of the construction industry is imperative in ensuring positive building quality outcomes for the Territory.”
Ms Cheyne said that by prioritising resourcing to proactively identify defects or non-compliance issues early, the Registrar would be able to constructively support licensees in shaping a strong building community.
She said priority areas of the Statement included ensuring construction meets the relevant standards and is compliant with the Building Code; holding occupational licensees to account for poor building quality; taking appropriate regulatory action to prevent future building quality issues; and improving community confidence in the building and construction industry.
“The Registrar will undertake the functions as an independent body and will report regularly on emerging issues, allowing Access Canberra to respond proactively to emerging risks and issues before they become a larger problem,” the Minister said.
The Ministerial Statement of Expectations can be accessed at this PS News link.
