Page 4812 - Week 13 - Thursday, 28 November 2019
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The bill is not only about director liability, but includes other amendments that improve the operation of the construction laws, including a new scheme for enforceable rectification undertakings and a new offence for failing to comply with a court order in relation to a rectification undertaking. This is part of our comprehensive approach to improving building quality and ensuring that the community has confidence in the construction services undertaken in the territory.
In conclusion, Minister Ramsay has said before that he expects pushback in relation to reforms about how the industry operates. We do not expect that everyone will agree with these amendments. We know that substantial reform is uncomfortable and challenging for some. People are entitled to their own views. But there should not be an assumption that industry’s permission or endorsement is required for the government to act, especially if we know that it is necessary to protect the community and especially if not acting may be to the detriment of the industry in the short and long term.
The government is happy to continue to consult and work with industry to improve the practices and explain how the new provisions will work, but the government cannot, and will not, introduce reforms only if everyone in industry agrees with them. I know that Minister Ramsay has explained this clearly to industry bodies that he has met with.
The bill includes important amendments for protecting the community, preserving the integrity of the regulatory system, and restoring the reputation of the industry. These amendments give industry bodies opportunities to work with their members to develop and promote good practices. We hope that they will take those opportunities. People in the ACT need to have confidence in the building industry and in the ability of the regulator to enforce compliance with regulation. They have the right to expect quality in the homes they purchase and live in, and to have the peace of mind that there is a strong regulatory environment to improve building quality in the territory. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail stage
Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.
MR PARTON (Brindabella) (5.51): I seek leave to move amendments to this bill that have not been to the scrutiny committee, and were not circulated in accordance with standing order 178A, together.
Leave granted.
MR PARTON: I move amendments Nos 1 to 6 [see schedule 3 at page 4836].
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