- Cook Labor Government to review key aspects of home building contract legislation
- Law amendments to boost regulators' powers against builders with financial concerns
- New initiatives designed to increase consumer and industry confidence
The Cook Labor Government has approved the preparation of laws to strengthen the powers of building regulators to investigate financially troubled builders alongside a review of home building contract legislation.
The initiatives aim to provide greater protections for Western Australians building or renovating, while also increasing industry confidence for builders and suppliers.
A bill will be prepared to give the Building Services Board and the Building Commissioner a broader suite of powers to investigate financially troubled builders and, if necessary, impose conditions or cancel registration. This will ensure the regulators can intervene early to better protect consumers and suppliers.
The Cook Government will also review major parts of Western Australia's home building contract legislation to ensure it is still relevant and robust in a changing building sector.
Dan Caddy MLC has been appointed to coordinate and assist the review process which will involve extensive consultation and analysis. Homeowners, building industry participants and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to have their say on any improvements.
Further information is available at the Building and Energy website: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/review-of-western-australias-home-building-contract-laws-terms-of-reference
Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"We recognise consumer and industry confidence are essential for boosting Western Australia's housing supply.
"Strengthened powers to ensure registered builders comply with their financial obligations will help reduce disputes and delays, while allowing regulators to more closely monitor builders and intervene where necessary.
"Building or renovating a home is one of the biggest investments we make. Homeowners should have confidence in the builders they engage and the laws governing home building contracts.
"To ensure home building contract laws keep pace with changes and challenges in the sector, stakeholders will have the chance to provide feedback during the review.
"These measures support other laws already being prepared by the Cook Government to improve the design, certification and construction of buildings in Western Australia."
