From cladding/ACPs to inadequate registration; from self-certification to inequitable risk allocation in contracts; the state of Australia’s construction industry is worrying, and the solution complex but the simple reality is the need for urgent regulatory reform. We must protect the safety of our communities and return confidence to the sector. 

Over the past few years and more frequently in the past 18 months, we’ve advocated strongly and consistently for regulatory reform and increased compliance to address the multitude of issues plaguing our built environment.

We have called for a heightened focus and more urgent action from all levels of government and regulators including the immediate implementation of the 24 recommendations from the Shergold-Weir report, Building Confidence.

Our focus with regard to building regulation has always been and remains on four key aspects within the profession’s areas of expertise:

• quality
• safety
• regulatory reform and
• compliance.

We’ve made public statements and submissions, held meetings with government, developed guidelines, run CPD and collaborated with other industry stakeholders to build our collective voice. To create meaningful and practical solutions requires collaboration across the entire industry. 

We wholeheartedly agree with the Shergold-Weir report’s view that ‘The building and construction industry needs to actively participate in lifting standards, competency and integrity if it is to produce safe and reliable buildings and continue to be an important driver of infrastructure development.’

We continue to fight for reform through a multifaceted approach targeting key decision makers and stand ready to support state, territory and federal governments, but they must act now! This cannot wait!