CEO Update: Building Quality in the ACT and the Extension of HomeBuilder

Locally, this week the ACT Government released the findings of the Legislative Assembly’s Inquiry into Building Quality in the ACT. We have long been campaigning for the ACT Government to take steps to improve building quality in the ACT, through changes to the building regulatory system.

Following our advocacy efforts in the lead up to the 2020 ACT election, we welcome the Government’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the Building Confidence Report. While there is still work to be done to improve building quality in the ACT, improving the local building regulatory system is crucial part of the process.

We are encouraged that the ACT Government will broaden accountability in the industry, including requiring the registration of a broad range of building practitioners including engineers, designers, builders and site or project managers. We would also encourage the Government to prioritise training and education as a key reform priority,” he said.

We look forward to working with Minister Vassarotti and the ACT Government on future building reforms with the shared goal to improve building quality in the Nation’s Capital.

Nationally, The Australian Government announced the HomeBuilder program will be extended to 31 March 2021. We believe this is an important step in assisting the building and construction industry to lead the economic recovery, following the fiscal impacts of COVID-19.

The announcement also revealed changes to the HomeBuilder program, including:

• A $15,000 grant for building contracts (new builds and substantial renovations) signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021, inclusive.
• An extended deadline for all applications to be submitted, including those applying for the $25, 000 grant and the new $15,000 grant. Applications can now be submitted up until 14 April 2021 (inclusive). This will apply to all eligible contracts signed on or after 4 June 2020.
• An extension to the construction commencement timeframe from three months to six months for all HomeBuilder applicants. This will apply to all eligible contracts signed on or after 1 January 2021, but will also be backdated and apply to all contracts entered into on or after 4 June 2020.
• An increase to the property price cap for new build contracts in New South Wales and Victoria to $950,000 and $850,000, respectively, where the contract is signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021, inclusive.
• The existing new build property price cap of $750,000 will continue to apply in all other States and Territories.
• A change in licensing requirements and registration for builders and developers, as below • Where an eligible contract is signed on or after the 29 November 2020, the builder or developer must have a valid licence or registration before 29 November 2020.
• Where an eligible contract is signed before 29 November 2020, the builder or developer must have a valid licence or registration before 4 June 2020.

For more information about the extension of HomeBuilder, click here.