Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said that the Queensland Building Plan consultation was an opportunity for industry and consumers to help shape the course of the state’s $44 billion building industry.’
“We have a strong, modern and vibrant building industry and this government is committed to making sure the sector continues to grow and develop.
“The Queensland Building Plan looks at a number of reforms designed to bring increased confidence to the sector, including our government’s historic reforms on security of payment for subcontractors.”
Mr de Brenni said that the discussion paper covers of a range of areas including a review of licencing and plumbing and drainage laws, the potential for a single state housing code and the sustainability of buildings.
Community and Industry Expos
The Ambrose Construct Group team attended the Sunshine Coast Community and Industry Expo to listen to the sessions presented by the various Government departments represented, including:
- Working with government – tips and tricks to help win building and construction work
- Plumbing and Drainage Act reform – streamlining processes and protecting public safety
- Licensing reform – simplifying and modernising the approach to licensing
- Security of Payment and Project Bank Accounts – helping to ensure payment in full, on time, every time
- Home Warranty Scheme – improving the Scheme and insurance cover for residential construction work
The Master Builders surveyed members over their concerns in the Survey of Industry Conditions and highlighted the following as Hot Topics emerging from the Building Plan:
Project Bank Accounts – While there was strong support for ensuring that all parties in the construction supply chain are paid , there were concerns that a system of project bank accounts would not work as intended, and tie up businesses with more complexity and paperwork.
License and insurance thresholds – The majority of respondents felt that both thresholds should remain unchanged or increase.
Engaging building certifiers – The majority of respondents opposed the idea of a ‘cab rank’ model for assigning building certifiers. The reason was because lack of an ongoing relationship would make it more difficult to get answers to questions as they arise and may lead to issues being ignored or avoided, thereby allowing certifier standards to drop.
Investigating and prosecuting non-conforming products – Respondents were almost universally in favour of stronger government intervention to stem the flow of non-conforming products.
Have Your Say
As committed member of the Queensland Building and Construction Industry we would encourage everyone involved to review the various documents and information sheets on the Queensland Building Plan website and to have your say by undertaking the relevant submissions available here.
All submissions are due on 28th February 2017.