2020 Summit: builders need uniform licensing laws

An Australian Institute of Building product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Apr 25, 2008

Australian Institute of Building advised that Australian federation should be overhauled to avoid unnecessary differences in builders' licensing laws between State and Territory Governments.

"There is no consistency in licensing laws between each of the jurisdictions, some require the company to be licensed, others the individual".

"Some State Governments have a hybrid arrangement where the company is licensed and the manager or principal needs to meet additional competency requirements." said Troy Williams, AIB Chief Executive.

"Building professionals have long argued for national uniformity in builders' licensing requirements, however State and Territory Governments have been unable to achieve this outcome." he said.

In its submission to the 2020 summit, AIB highlighted the problems facing a medium-sized building contractor based in New South Wales who operates in Albury/Wodonga and Coolangatta/Tweed Heads.

"Such a company would need to meet not only the builders' licensing requirements of New South Wales, but also Victoria and Queensland".

"It's pretty ridiculous." Mr Williams said.

According to AIB, the lack of uniformity in builders' licensing laws presents a regulatory barrier to interstate trade that is not serving the interests of the Australian economy at all well.

The Institute notes that the problem will be common to other sectors of the Australian economy where companies, trades people and professionals need to be licensed.

AIB believes that the 2020 Summit provides an opportunity to review the role of State and Territory Governments in licensing companies, trades and professions".

"The current arrangements have clearly failed".

"Indeed the New South Wales is currently reviewing its builders' licensing system, but harmonisation with one or more states has not been a priority." Mr Williams said.

"If the Prime Minister is right and the 2020 Summit is about setting a long-term agenda for the nation, AIB has highlighted a significant problem that can only be solved by national leadership." Mr Williams said.