1 MAY 2020
A NSW Upper House inquiry into the state’s troubled building industry has made 22 recommendations in its final report, including 11 that outline how the Government should handle the flammable cladding crisis.
The report by the Public Accountability Committee also calls on the Berejiklian Government to grant the Building Commissioner new powers to address the “alarming problems” plaguing the industry.
Building industry regulation expert Bronwyn Weir says the final report’s cladding-related recommendations, including the creation of a remediation package similar to the $600 million program announced in Victoria last year, are a step in the right direction.
“Most of them are very sensible and it is clear that the committee favours the approach taken by Victoria,” Ms Weir told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “I also believe the Victorian approach is comprehensive and have supported government funding for rectification for some time. “Even if rectification funding cannot be given, it is very important that owners have assistance from government through the rectification process so that it is done once and done properly.”
She also backs the move to expand the powers of Building Commissioner David Chandler, saying it would enable him to “have an immediate impact on lifting the standard of apartment buildings.”