ACT cheers common-sense changes to slash delays and costs for tradies

ACT Building and Construction spokesman Cameron Luxton is welcoming the first-reading passage of two bills, saying the changes will cut red tape in the building sector, speed up construction, and reduce costs for businesses and home buyers.

The Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Bill and the Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill passed first reading this afternoon.
 
“I know from experience exactly how much time and money gets lost by superfluous inspections and paper. Today we are a step closer to real relief for the people actually doing the work,” says Mr Luxton, who is also a Licenced Building Practitioner.
 
“The self-certification Bill means a common-sense approach to low-risk, straightforward work by plumbers and drainlayers, allowing them to sign off their work without having to wait days or weeks for a building consent authority to turn up. This means fewer bottlenecks, fewer delays and fewer hours sitting around on-site waiting for someone to tick a box.
 
“These changes will have a real impact on project timeframes and costs. It means the builder can close a wall or a floor and the job site can keep moving.”
 
Mr Luxton is also welcoming the changes to the licensing framework.
 
“If we have a licensing regime for builders, this should not impose unnecessary red tape on those affected by it. For years we have had a system where renewals of licenses are not aligned with the skill maintenance, meaning more hoops and bureaucracy for builders who should be on the site.

"The changes to the licensing regime mean less administration for tradies and more time doing actual building work. Aligning renewal timeframes with skill maintenance and cutting duplication in the process are all positive steps.

"More accountability and transparency in the registry will mean the poor workmanship of a few doesn't tarnish the reputation of all the skilled professionals in the industry.
 
“Fairer and less bureaucratic systems for builders means better more efficient worksites, and lower costs that ultimately make all of us richer.”