Page 3152 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 20 August 2019
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clearly sets out what we expect a certifier to do when they are discharging the statutory duties that they take on themselves when they undertake this kind of work.
This is a vital reform. As many in the chamber would be aware, certifiers have seen their insurance premiums rise lately. One of the reforms that the insurance industry has been asking for is a clear level of professional standards set across all certifiers which is then enforceable. This reform does just that. It provides certainty to insurers as to what we expect of certifiers and it ties this to their licence.
This also helps support our good quality certifiers. It helps prevent a race to the bottom on pricing of services and it makes it clear what all certifiers must do. This reform is about supporting the industry and it is about making it clear what we expect of a certifier so that they are empowered to undertake their statutory responsibilities well.
MS ORR: Can the minister please explain what this code of practice will do?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Orr for the supplementary question. The code prescribes the minimum standards of practice for licensed building certifiers and informs landowners engaging the services of a building certifier, and also the community, about the standards of practice that are expected from a building certifier. It sets out the minimum practice requirements for all licensed building certifiers in the ACT and it will complement the builders code of practice which is currently under development.
As many people do not understand the role of a building certifier in relation to the inspections that they carry out for the property owner, it was important for the code of practice to provide clarity around the general obligations for building certifiers when they are performing licensable services and functions. These obligations include to act in the public interest, to comply with relevant laws, to ensure that their decisions are fair and reasonable and to take appropriate enforcement action. These obligations are similar to those in place in other jurisdictions and for public officials in the ACT.
The code of practice also provides general and specific requirements for undertaking particular roles such as that of an appointed building certifier, including the various stage inspection requirements and guidelines.
Contrary to what some have said in this place, the code does not expand the role of the statutory building certifier, and it does not create new approval processes, mandate additional inspection stages, or make building certifiers responsible for complaints against builders. It simply makes clear what we see as the minimum required due diligence that we expect of them when they are discharging their duty.
MR PETTERSSON: Can the minister explain the impact that this code of practice will have on the industry?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary question. This change is designed to ensure that everyone has a common understanding of the role of a certifier. It makes clear to those undertaking this important statutory function what is required of them and it links these requirements to their licence so that they are enforceable.
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