Queenslanders can expect additional costs and further time delays in the delivery of new housing if the recommended response to the government’s review of developers is implemented, according to the Property Council of Australia.
The Property Council argues that at a time when the property industry is on its knees after weathering supply chain issues, labour shortages and escalating construction costs- all while being called on to ‘step up’ and solve the housing crisis- it seems implausible the Queensland Government would choose now to pursue a new regulatory framework that adds further costs and administrative burden to developers.
Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council Jen Williams said from its inception, it has been unclear what ‘issue’ the review of developers sought to address.
“After over 18 months of investigation, the Panel failed to find any significant or systemic wrongdoing by developers. In fact, Queensland’s exemplary quality and safety systems were highlighted in their report,” Ms Williams said.
“In the absence of any issue being able to be articulated or quantified, the Panel has chosen to focus on the role developers play in setting the ‘tone’ of a project.
“An extensive regulatory framework- requiring significant Government investment in its establishment and administration- is now being proposed to address the ‘tone’ of development projects.
“Surely, in the midst of a housing crisis and with Government balance sheets under pressure, public sector resources could be allocated to better uses than setting up a framework to regulate ‘tone’?
“Much like the Belcarra legislation which prevents the property industry from fully participating in the democratic process, this is another example of the development industry being singled out for unfair treatment.
“What other business-to-business relationships require the client to comply with an accreditation and registration framework?” Ms Williams said.
The independent Developer Review Panel tabled its review into the role of developers in Queensland’s building and construction industry last week.
The Panel made five key recommendations which they described as “a benchmark for a better standard for developers in Queensland”. The recommendations are as follows:
- establish an accreditation, disclosure and registration framework for developers
- improve industry education
- clarify developer responsibilities in relation to non-conforming building products
- clarify developer responsibilities in relation to fairness and contracting in Queensland, and
- promote the uptake of digital tools for recording design and construction information.
“The Property Council urges Government to take a common-sense view when assessing the report’s recommendations, and consider if additional time, cost and complexity is something they really want to add to the property industry right now,” Ms Williams said.