Developer crackdown now certified


Released 22/07/2020

The ACT Government will move to further crackdown on dodgy developers by establishing a team of public sector certifiers as part of our plan to restore confidence in the Territory's construction sector.

Government certifiers will provide the opportunity for consumers to make better judgements about who they're trusting to approve building work as well as encouraging developers to do the right thing and not cut corners.

Minister for Building Quality Improvement Gordon Ramsay said that the new team of certifiers would help clean up the industry and ensure Canberra has the highest quality buildings.

"When I took up the job of Minister for Building Quality Improvement, I said that I would stop the rot and crackdown on shifty players throughout the whole construction supply chain," Minister Ramsay said.

"This team of public sector certifiers will sit alongside the Government's licencing scheme for property developers and break the link between developers and building certifiers.

"We have seen too many cases where property developers have forced other parts of the industry to cut on costs and influence process, only to eventually wind up projects and leave owners with the bill for their dodgy work.

"Buying a house or apartment is the most significant investment in most people's lives and I want to ensure that people can have confidence in the build quality of their home.

"Canberrans should not have to chase non-existent companies for building defects, while the culprit is able to wind up one company and continue to operate in our community."

The Government's team of public certifiers will operate on a fee for service basis and may be required for certain types of development.

The Government's developer licensing scheme will be unique in Australia and establish appropriate definitions for a legislative and regulatory regime, including:

  • Fit and proper person' assessments
  • Licence scope applying to the most high-risk developments in terms of quality (i.e. multi-unit residential); and
  • Enforcement regimes.

Minister Ramsay will further update the community and the Legislative Assembly on the status of the Government's building reforms this Thursday.

- Statement ends -

Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases


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