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02 Oct 2009 - | BCA 2010 moves a step closer
The ABCB have published their Consultation Regulatory Impact Statements (RISs) for the proposed changes to the energy efficiency requirements of BCA 2010 for residential and commercial buildings.
As part of the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency, new buildings will need to become more energy efficient. The 2010 edition of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) will require all new residential buildings to meet 6 Star energy performance and will also include provisions for hot water heaters (already part of the BCA in WA) and lighting. Commercial buildings will be required to improve their energy efficiency to deliver a 2:1 benefit/cost ratio.
The RISs provide an opportunity for comment that will form the development of the final Regulatory Impact Statement, and the ultimate shape of the BCA 2010. You have until 30 October 2009 to submit your comments.
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01 Jul 2009 - | 'One-stop shop' building regulator in place from today
Significant red tape surrounding regulation of the Western Australian building industry has been removed, with the creation of a Building Commission division of the Department of Commerce.
Commerce Minister Troy Buswell said the Building Commission, in effect from today, would consolidate the operations of the Builders Registration Board; Painters Registration Board; Plumbers Licensing Board; and the Building Industry Development directorate from the Department of Treasury and Finance.
To find out more click here
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30 Jun 2009 - | Building Commission starts operation
Cabinet has approved the consolidation of building industry regulation and development into a new Building Commission division of the Department of Commerce effective from 1 July 2009.
The Building Commission brings together the operations of the Builders Registration Board, Painters Registration Board, Plumbers Licensing Board and the Building Industry Development directorate from the Department of Treasury and Finance. The Building Commission will provide a "one stop shop" for industry and consumers for registration and licensing, building and plumbing standards, industry development, technical information and disputes.
New legislation will replace the Builders and Painters Registration Boards with the Building Commission, and to allow the Commission to be funded by registration and licence fees and a levy on building approvals. The Building Commission is also managing the drafting of a new Building Act that will streamline the building approvals process.
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06 May 2009 - | COAG / National Reform Agenda update
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia. The role of COAG is to initiate, develop and monitor the implementation of policy reforms that are of national significance and which require cooperative action by Australian governments (for example, a national licensing framework). COAG issues of specific interest to the Building Commission include: building regulation, trades licences, development assessments, climate change and water, and consumer policy framework. To find out more click here
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12 Dec 2008 - | Government confirms support for Building Commission
Cabinet has given formal endorsement to continue drafting legislation that will establish the Building Commission and its functions. Preparation of the third draft of the Building Commission Bill is now underway and is expected to be ready for wider distribution in 2009.
On 10 December 2008 the Hon. Troy Buswell, in his capacity as the Minister for Housing and Works, publicly confirmed the State Government's commitment to the project in a presentation to industry and government stakeholders. This clear support has allowed the Building Commission Implementation Team to progress planning and begin the more formal processes involved in establishing the agency.