This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE property industry and local councils has applauded the Berejiklian government’s appointment of David Chandler as Building Commissioner.
The Australian Property Institute’s CEO Amelia Hodge said the API is looking forward to building its relationship with the Commissioner’s office
“David is a highly respected industry professional, with more than 40 years’ experience. I have rung him to personally congratulate him on his appointment and to offer the API’s assistance and support,”
Hodge said the API believes that a collaborative approach from key industry stakeholders will reform the industry and improve outcomes for all.
“We support initiatives that progress the restoration of trust and confidence in the building and property sector and are looking forward to working with the new commissioner and with Better Regulation Minister, Kevin Anderson.” Hodge said.
The Property Council of Australia also welcomed the appointment and again called for leadership for a national implementation of the recommendations from the Shergold Weir Building Confidence report.
The Local Government NSW (LGNSW) president Cr Linda Scott said the long-awaited appointment was a solid move towards establishing a stronger regulatory framework for the building industry, and tighter and more effective regulation of private certifiers.
“Councils have long advocated for a stronger regulatory framework for the building industry and we hope today’s appointment will be fully resourced and supported by a team of staff with relevant building experience.
“There have been numerous reviews of the building regulation system dating back more than a decade, and serious concerns – not only within the government sector but also by other industry peak bodies – have been documented over this time.
“The most recent review – the Shergold and Weir report – found there had been almost no effective regulatory oversight of the commercial building industry by regulators, stating those involved in high-rise construction were ‘left largely to their own devices’.
“In our recent submission to the NSW Government’s Building Stronger Foundations discussion paper, we call for comprehensive action to address issues with the building sector.
“As well as appointing a building commissioner, we are calling for measures to address concerns about the independence of private certifiers and a commitment to annual audits. Administrative and expert staff to support the building commissioner in this new role are also critical.” Scott said.
