Brisbane 23 August 2013. Queensland has taken a major step towards a new building regulator with Parliament passing legislation to allow the creation of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Housing and Public Works Minister Tim Mander said that the Commission will replace the Queensland Building Services Authority (BSA) and will be responsible for licensing, dispute resolution and the Home Warranty Scheme, with internal divisions firewalled from each other to prevent any conflict of interest.

“This marks the beginning of the biggest change to the way the building industry is regulated in more than 20 years,” Mr Mander said.

“The building and construction industry is one of the pillars of the Queensland economy and with the passage of this legislation; Queensland will soon have the best building regulator in the country.

“The new QBCC will strike the right balance between consumers and contractors and will help build confidence in the industry, whether that’s the confidence to build a new home or the confidence to start or grow a business or pursue a career in the industry.”

Mr Mander said the creation of the QBCC was an important first step in the Government’s 10-point plan to reform building regulation in Queensland.

Other key initiatives including reviewing the licensing and compliance arrangements for contractors and reforms to allow rapid dispute adjudication and will be implemented progressively by the new board.

The new Commission is anticipated to be operational by the end of the year.