The long overdue announcement by the Gutwein Government today that it will start to offer compensation to Tasmanians caught out by building company failure is a starting point but needs to go much, much further.
Shadow Minister for Building and Construction Jen Butler said while Labor welcomes the government's announcement of a financial support package to help consumers affected by the failure of Hotondo Homes and Inside Out Constructions, a formal Parliamentary Inquiry is still needed to offer comprehensive protection to both consumers and builders.
"Today's announcement of financial compensation should be seen as a starting point for the government to future proof our building industry," Ms Butler said.
"For many months, Minister Elise Archer has put significant effort into shutting down Labor's calls for an inquiry into better protections for the building industry and homeowners.
"She has ignored the pleas of many, many Tasmanians who have come forward after losing hundreds of thousands of dollars – in many cases their life savings – after being caught by shonky builders.
"It's only now, after the collapse of Hotondo Homes and Inside Out Constructions, that Ms Archer has finally acted as a first step.
"The package Ms Archer has announced today is good news for those affected but it will not help those Tasmanians who had already been stung by this government's lack of protection.
"What Tasmania requires is a broad inquiry to consider the best way to protect all industry players - including not only consumers but builders too.
"Labor will not stop pushing for this critical inquiry so we can be assured we have a building industry that is fair."
Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Building and Construction
