The Queensland government is set to review the main body responsible for regulating building contractors and construction industry professionals, the state government has announced.
In a statement released on Friday, Public Works Minister Bruce Flegg says the Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee of the Legislative Assembly will undertake a review of the Queensland Building Services Authority (BSA).
As part of the inquiry, the committee will also look at changes to the setting of licensing standards and regulatory reform that may lower the cost of building a home.
Flegg says the inquiry represents the Government’s push to streamline the BSA to improve payment outcomes for sub-contractors and homeowners. He says the committee will consult with key industry groups including home builders and building contractors, industry participants and relevant experts.
“The committee will also seek input from consumers, including the presentation of submissions and giving testimony to the committee on key consumer problems,” he says.
A spokesman for the Minister told DesignBuild Source that the inquiry is a response to a number of issues which have arisen over the years, principally regarding consumer-related issues and payments to sub-contractors.
Having come into office earlier this year, the government wanted a full review of the system with a ‘fresh pair of eyes’, the spokesman says.
The terms of reference for the inquiry will include:
• Achieving a balance between the competing interests of building contractors and consumers, including remedies for defective work,
• Regulatory reform and reduction that may lower the cost of building a home,
• The governance arrangements of QBSA,
• The Queensland Home Warranty Scheme and its protections,
• Current licensing requirements, and
• Industry involvement in the setting of licensing standards and procedures.
The committee will report to Parliament by November 30, 2012.
