On Monday 1 July 2013, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) officially replaced the Building and the Plumbing Industry Commissions of Victoria.
Aiming to be a one-stop shop for domestic building consumer protection and building practitioner regulation, the VBA’s oversight of the industry will include improved builder registration standards, inspectors to resolve disputes, and more accessible information for consumers.
The Planning Minister the Hon Matthew Guy announced the start of the VBA and the appointment of the five-person board, including Chief Commissioner and Chair Bill Kusznirczuk.
The Chief Commissioner visited the VBA’s Docklands office to tell staff about his expectations and to highlight the role of the board in the future direction of the Authority.
“The board will bring a wealth of experience to this organisation and provide expert guidance in taking the Authority forward by building a strong consumer protection framework and by properly monitoring enforcement and compliance with Building Rules and Regulations. The VBA must act as an effective regulator that will demand integrity and probity of the regulatory framework and the people that work with it,” Mr Kusznirczuk said.
“The expertise of the board members will ensure strong governance, strategic direction and leadership and will set the future focus and transparency of the organisation.”
“The new VBA will improve consumer outcomes providing appropriate balance, fairness and independence, while also ensuring that disputes are resolved quickly, fairly and cost efficiently.”
Mr Kusznirczuk also welcomed the appointment of current Commissioner Mr Greg Hyams as Chief Executive Officer of the VBA until mid-September, so as to assist with the transition into the new organisation.
“The building industry is a significant contributor to the State and National economies and we want this to continue while also ensuring that high standards of building compliance are maintained and protected,” Mr Kusznirczuk said.
