The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism resolves to inquire into and report on the quality of new buildings in the ACT and any potential or actual causes of poor building quality in the ACT with particular consideration given to:

1. The certification regime for the building and construction industry including;

1. Review by certifiers of the initial building plans;
2. Compliance by builders with the building’s approved construction plans;
3. The adequacy of regulatory mechanisms to ensure compliance with approved construction plans;
4. The role of inspections and audits in the regulatory process; and
5. The appropriateness of current practices for appointing certifiers, including addressing the potential for conflicts of interest.

2. The merits of standard contracts or statutory requirements in contracts covering build quality.

3. Industry skills accreditation and ongoing professional development including;

1. The breadth of the occupational licensing regime in the ACT; and
2. The suitability of ongoing skills education and practices within the industry.

4. Processes and practices for the identification and rectification of defects including;

1. Current mechanisms available for defect identification and redress;
2. The effectiveness of those mechanisms to ensure rectification in instances where standards have not been met;
3. The adequacy and accessibility of those mechanisms especially for individuals or body corporates; and
4. The effectiveness of efforts to address “phoenixing” – the transfer of assets from an indebted building company to a new one to avoid paying its liabilities.

5. The cost effectiveness of current building compliance and defect rectification practices for industry, government, individuals or body corporates and the potential for the introduction of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

6. The role of Access Canberra.

7. The regulatory setting or practices in other jurisdictions that could inform consideration of any of the above.

8. Personal experiences that could inform consideration of any of the above.

9. Any other relevant matter.

For the purposes of clarity the Committee wishes to inform submitters that it is not inquiring into compliance with approved development applications.

Go to current public hearings schedule

View committee hearings transcripts

Public Hearings:

10 April, 1, 8, 22, 29 May, 24 July, 7 & 28 August, 4 September 2019