Government introduces new building product laws

The Queensland Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament aimed at amending existing legislation to create a legal ‘chain of responsibility’ for non-conforming building products.

The Building and Construction Legislation (Non-Conforming Building Products-Chain of Responsibility and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2017 will seek to amend the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 to enable QBCC to inspect sites, take samples for testing and direct rectifications.

Provisions within the Bill will place additional duties on building supply chain participants and widen grounds for the QBCC to take disciplinary action against a licensee, including convictions relating to public health and safety and workplace safety.

An inquiry into the Bill by the Parliament’s Public Works and Utilities Committee has called for submissions by Wednesday 21 June 2017. The Government aims to have the legislation in effect by the end of the year.