This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Allan government has removed the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) board, which has been under heavy scrutiny amid allegations of poor practice and a toxic workplace culture since the suicide of a building inspector in 2022.
The VBA board – comprising six positions – will effectively be replaced by its current CEO, Anna Cronin, who will take up the role of sole Commissioner. Five board members, Murray Coleman, Kelly Humphreys, Justin Madden, Gillian Sparkes, Thi Thu Trang Tran and Simon Weir will have their roles dissolved six months before the end of their terms.
Another five board positions were dissolved in September.
Cronin has been in her current of CEO since July and has been leading changes to the organisation’s performance and culture, including refreshing the VBA’s regulatory strategy, the government said.
The state workplace health and safety regulator WorkSafe charged the VBA in September over the suicide of senior inspector Rob Karkut, who took his own life in May of 2022 after 16 years with the VBA. That led to the uncovering of a toxic workplace culture and the VBA was charged under section 32 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for recklessly engaging in conduct that placed another person at a workplace in danger of serious injury.
An investigation by The Age and 60 Minutes revealed that VBA inspectors had carried out hundreds of virtual audits instead of physically attending construction sites, despite legal advice that this might breach the state’s Building Act.
As commissioner, Cronin will be supported by new advisory committees, consisting of key building, plumbing and consumer experts.
“The role of the building regulator is critical as we deliver more homes for Victorians that are where people want to live – close to transport, jobs and services – under the landmark Housing Statement,” Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said in a statement.
“These changes will deliver stronger oversight of new home builds, ensuring safer, quality and affordable homes for Victorians.”
