NECA makes the case for a better building regulatory system in the ACT

NECA has made a comprehensive submission to the ACT Department of Environment and Planning’s Improving the ACT Building Regulatory System consultation.

The consultation covers a wide range of areas that are relevant to electrical contractors.

NECA’s submission provides feedback on how the ACT regulatory system for building could be improved in relation to:

• Builders and building surveyors licensing;           
• Harmonisation of licensing across states and territories and automatic mutual recognition;           
• Qualifications required for new licence applicants;         
• Building experience requirements;
• Stage inspection and on-site supervision; 
• Retention Trust Money Account legislation;         
• Threshold for retention trust scheme;      
• Administration of the retention trust scheme;     
• Automatic return of retention money to sub-contractors;
• Payment withholding requests;      
• Security of payment – progress payment claims;
• Project bank accounts;        
• Alternative dispute resolution; and           
• Phoenix companies. 

On Friday 12 February, Barry Skinner, President NECA ACT and Adam Spivakovsky, Policy Advisor, met with Vanessa Morris, Coordinator at Environment and Planning, to officially present NECA’s submission and to discuss and clarify the issues covered.

We found Vanessa to be receptive to NECA’s input. She signalled that Environment and Planning may be in a position to make recommendations to Cabinet in respect of the implementation of some of the reforms canvassed in the consultation in May this year.

We will keep Members updated of future developments in relation to the reforms and opportunities for input.

To view or download the NECA submission to Improving the ACT Building Regulatory System consultation click here

Should any members wish to discuss further, please contact Adam Spivakovsky, Policy Adviser on telephone: (02) 9021 9687 or email: adam.spivakovsky@neca.asn.au