The New South Wales Government has appointed a new Building Commissioner to implement the biggest overhaul to building laws in the state’s history.
David Chandler was selected to be the NSW Building Commissioner and has more than 40 years of industry experience.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Chandler’s appointment would be invaluable as the State Government moves to restore confidence in the construction industry.
“We know there are national challenges affecting the industry, but this new appointment will play a key role in protecting NSW homeowners and driving critical reforms,” she said.
The Building Commissioner will be responsible for the investigation and disciplinary action for misconduct in the building industry, while also overseeing licensing and auditing processes.
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The Commissioner also aims to drive legislative reforms of the building industry including consultation with industry.
It will include legislation that will be introduced to the NSW Parliament later this year, which will require building practitioners to be registered, a new duty of care to make it easier for home owners to seek compensation against negligent builders, and ensuring all buildings are designed and constructed to plans that comply with the Building Code of Australia.
Chandler has welcomed the opportunity to work with the State Government as Building Commissioner.
“Recent events have reduced community confidence in how buildings are designed and constructed and how they perform, but I welcome the leadership and commitment being shown by the Government to implement change that will strengthen the construction industry foundations in NSW,” he said.
NSW Better Regulation Minister, Kevin Anderson, said the Building Commissioner’s priority will be to continue the work that has been started by the NSW Government to reform the building and construction industry.
“David will lead the implementation of this reform and will advise the Government on additional reforms that may be needed to ensure better protections for homeowners and purchasers, and lift building standards across NSW,” Anderson said.
Engineers Australia has also welcomed the appointment and have called for urgent action to be taken to restore confidence in the building and construction sector.
Engineers Australia CEO, Peter McIntyre, said the announcement is a positive sign that the NSW Government is serious about reform.
“NSW Building Commissioner is an important role and we hope that Chandler will be given the support and resources he needs to implement the recommendations from the Shergold-Weir report, including the compulsory registration of engineers,” McIntyre said.
Chandler will start in the position on 14 August 2019.