Page 2993 - Week 08 - Thursday, 15 August 2019
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There are also exclusion periods that apply where new licence applicants fail in the first and subsequent application. This means that they must take time to sharpen their knowledge before seeking to be licensed in the ACT. In addition, one in five builders will be required to sit an exam at the time of renewal. As a government, we understand that licensing exams are another of the regulatory tools available for deterring poor quality building practices. This financial year, Access Canberra is expecting to administer more than 450 of these exams.
An important part of achieving quality buildings in the ACT is ensuring that we have consumers and an educated industry. Access Canberra will receive funding for four officers to enhance information and engagement, to help consumers know their rights, and to ensure that industry is well informed of their obligations. In addition, these officers will assist in targeting the regulator’s resources to those areas of greatest risk and harm, through strong data analysis. This is an investment of almost $2.1 million.
The government is delivering on its commitment to improve building quality in the ACT. We are educating. We are engaging. We are regulating. We are working with the public and with licence holders to ensure that everyone is informed. We know that enforcement alone does not work. We have to use the full suite of regulatory tools at our disposal. It is our responsibility as a government to make sure the regulator is adequately resourced to achieve this and we are on the front foot.
In addition to our nation-leading building reform program, this investment is designed to make buildings in Canberra the best in Australia, to bring confidence back to the industry, and to raise the public’s confidence in the work of the regulator. I trust that those in the building industry who have been so supportive of our work to raise standards and professionalism across the industry will welcome this government’s investment and will partner with us to ensure that we continue to make Canberra a safe and livable city now and for the future.
MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee—Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Transport and City Services) (11.56): I rise to speak in relation to the property group part of the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate. Through the ACT budget, we are investing in community infrastructure that gives our town centres and suburbs their unique character and makes Canberra a great place to live. The ACT Property Group currently leases out 156 properties across the territory for use as community centres, halls, early childhood centres and other community facilities like men’s sheds.
The ACT government recognises that community programs and initiatives are highly valued by Canberrans and that these facilities are critical to the success of such programs. That is why we provide subsidised rent to community groups that are committed to continuing to invest in the facilities that they use in delivering vital services to the community.
In the budget, the government is investing a total of $4.927 million across 17 community facilities. These proposed works include lift refurbishments, toilet upgrades and floor covering replacements at the Belconnen community centre;
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