Proposed new laws to improve accountability in the design, building and construction sector are now open for public comment.
Releasing an exposure draft of the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019, Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said it outlined key accountabilities of design and building practitioners for the first time, and aimed to bring greater peace of mind to property purchasers.
Mr Anderson said the Bill also sought to improve the quality and compliance of design documentation and strengthen accountability across the sector.
“The draft Bill lays the foundations for major reforms within the building sector,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Bill will deliver stronger accountability in the building industry and help deliver confidence back in the industry.”
He said the proposed reforms included the introduction of prescribed categories of ‘regulated designs’; a requirement for design practitioners to issue a compliance declaration; and a requirement for building practitioners to obtain, rely upon and build in accordance with declared designs.
He said the proposed reforms also included a requirement for any practitioners who made a compliance declaration to be registered under a new scheme as well as clarification of the common law to ensure a duty of care was owed for construction work to certain categories of ‘owner’.
Mr Anderson said public consultation on the draft Bill would be open until 16 October.
He said that after the consultation period closes, feedback would be analysed and the draft Bill further amended where appropriate.
The 42-page Bill and information on how to comment can be accessed at this PS News link.
