This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Western Australian government is introducing landmark reforms to the state’s building laws, with new legislation to improve the design, certification and construction of buildings to be drafted.
In the most significant reforms to Western Australia’s building laws in over a decade, the Building Better reform package is targeting better consumer confidence and avoiding the impacts of defects with a better construction standard across the state.
The reforms are based on 39 recommendations made in response to the national Building Confidence Report.
“These important reforms to WA’s building laws involved close consultation with industry, local governments and building professionals. I would like to thank the many Western Australians and peak bodies who provided feedback during this process,” said Sue Ellery, minister for commerce.
The reforms are set to include:
- the staged implementation of mandatory inspections of new apartment and other commercial buildings at critical stages of construction;
- improved enforcement powers for the Building Commissioner, Building Services Board and permit authorities;
- tiered registration of builders and other improvements to requirements for building professionals;
- improvements to the engagement of building surveyors;
- enhancements to building design documentation, including minimum standards, registration requirements for designers, and third-party review of structural and fire safety designs for complex and significant buildings;
- clearer processes for documenting design changes during construction;
- building manuals for high-rise apartment buildings to enhance transparency and access to information after construction is complete; and
- increases to fine penalties.
These changes will also build on the state government’s registration scheme for building engineers, which is set to commence from 1 July 2024. The scheme was also made in response to the Building Confidence Report.
“The reforms will increase consumer protections, modernise the way buildings are designed, approved and constructed in WA, and provide peace of mind that our buildings are safe and constructed to the required standards,” added Ellery.
“The Cook Government acknowledges the State’s building industry is facing several challenges caused by the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to global trade, labour shortages and increasing inflationary pressures.
The first stage of the reforms will begin with mandatory inspections of high-rise apartment buildings and are due to start in 2026.
With mandatory inspections to be initially focused on apartment buildings that are four storeys or higher and commercial buildings.
“Significant consideration has been given to ensure the reforms are implemented gradually, are well understood by building professionals and local governments, and cause as little disruption as is practicable,” concluded Ellery.
“The public will also have an opportunity to review the draft laws and have their say on the details.”
