With the NSW parliament passing building reforms introduced in the wake of high-profile Sydney apartment defects, the State Government is declaring a new era for building design and construction; with David Chandler OAM committed to manning his post.
Building Commissioner, David Chandler OAM, published an article outlining several key messages and reiterating the importance of proper education, construction and building practices.
There are fewer than 60 working days until the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020 comes into effect on the 1st September 2020.
There are 270 working days until the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 should come into effect on the 1st July 2021.
Combined, these two Bills put the interests of consumers first and show that the Government is serious about lifting the standard of work across the building and construction sector.
We believe these reforms push NSW ahead of other states in the race to beef up regulation of an industry notorious for poor oversight and past systemic failings.
David Chandler OAM has been vocal in his commitment and insight on lifting the standards, covering of on several key messages in his recent article.
The Office of Building Commissioner (OBC) has listed the several important messages referenced in the article:
- Universities should make it clear to all future construction sector related graduates that the game has changed in NSW and taking care of their professional records and integrity is paramount to successful careers,
- Developers should be taking note of the new RAB Bill now and how they manage their contractors and certifiers,
- The OBC’s new ‘Boots on the Ground’ will be looking at product compliance and installation as part of their Occupancy Certificate Audits
- The OBC will be publishing case studies from September to call out risky players and instances where professional associations need to raise the bar of ethical performance of their members
- It may be time for industry associations to review the standing of their members to avoid potential brand damage – the OBC is keen to start calling out the quality players to help build consumer confidence.
As a peak body and industry association, we’re pleased that these Bills have been collaboratively developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders such as us, and SCA (NSW) stand behind, and are ready to assist the Building Commissioner in re-building consumer confidence.