The government is set to introduce a new self-certification scheme for building professionals with indemnity insurance. This initiative aims to streamline the building consent process by allowing qualified tradespeople to certify their own work, thereby reducing reliance on council inspections and minimising costs and delays for consumers.
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk emphasised the need for these reforms, stating, “The building consent system currently is one size fits all. There are really good trade professionals who aren’t trusted to get on and do the work and certify their own work.”.
The proposed changes will enable reputable builders, including major companies like GJ Gardner and Jennian Homes, to construct simple, repeatable homes without requiring building consents. The new policy will also allow plumbers, builders, and drainlayers to certify their work, a capability that is currently available only to electricians and gasfitters.
Penk noted that these reforms could significantly speed up and lower the costs associated with the consenting process for new builds. Homeowners undertaking renovations may also benefit, as tasks like re-lining a house or enhancing energy efficiency could be certified by builders without needing inspections from Local Building Consent Authorities.
He asserted that the new regime is designed to enhance consumer protection by placing accountability in the hands of experienced professionals who carry substantial insurance through organisations like Master Builders and Master Plumbers.
The detailed policy is not available yet, but it is expected to be voluntary for eligible professionals such as builders and plumbers.
Greg Wallace, chief executive of Master Plumbers, welcomed the announcement, noting that the National Party had advocated for self-certification since the last election. He pointed out that lengthy waits for inspections have plagued the industry, with some inspectors needing to travel significant distances for brief assessments.
“This is putting the risk on the tradespeople, and that’s where it should lie,” Wallace stated.