The ACT Government has announced new building certification reforms.

New measures introduced by the Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction, Rebecca Vassarotti aim to address ongoing concerns about building defects, particularly in high-rise apartment developments.

According to the government, these reforms are part of a broader effort to enhance accountability in Canberra's building industry, which has been plagued by substandard construction practices. 

Vassarotti says “dodgy development choices” have cost Canberrans over $50 million annually, eroding public trust in the construction sector.

The key feature of the reforms is the creation of a publicly funded team of professionals within Access Canberra, responsible for reviewing building design documents and attending mandatory inspections during the construction process. 

Initially, this oversight will focus on more complex high-rise apartment buildings, with plans to expand to other residential structures over time. 

The Minister says these measures will enable early detection of defects, placing the responsibility for rectifications on developers during construction rather than burdening homeowners later.

The initiative diverges from previous promises made before the 2020 ACT election. 

Initially, the government had pledged to introduce public sector certifiers with the authority to sign off on construction activities independently. 

The current model, however, retains the role of private certifiers, with the newly established public team providing additional oversight rather than direct certification.

This modification has sparked debate over its effectiveness. 

Critics argue that without the power to certify construction work independently, the new team might not fully achieve its intended impact on improving building quality. 

Vassarotti has defended the approach, saying; “All of the evidence suggests that is a much better way to deliver the outcome of better quality for consumers”.

The reforms also build on previous legislative changes, such as the developer licensing scheme, which holds developers personally liable for construction defects. 

These measures are intended to dismantle any “cosy relationships” between developers and certifiers that might compromise building standards.

Set to commence on 1 July 2025, the reforms allow a transition period for recruitment and industry adjustment.