Industry welcomes assessment of building code

The building and construction industry welcomes the Department of Innovation and Industry’s call for an assessment of the economic benefits of three key national building codes.

CEO of peak building and construction organisation Master Builders Australia, Wilhelm Harnisch said the impact assessment of national building codes must be conducted with boosting productivity and reducing the red tape burden in mind.

“The building and construction industry welcomes any reforms that will help boost productivity. For a long time we have called for the Building Code of Australia to be cost effective.

“As Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens said at the PM’s Economic Forum this week, increasing productivity is the country’s biggest challenge.

Master Builders wants to see a national, uniform building code and regulatory system that can practically be enforced and will enhance productivity and efficiency in the industry.

“Industry has expressed concern over the lack of transparency and governance, as well as a lack of consultation by regulators administering and developing building codes and regulations.

“Master Builders calls for the impact assessment to look at ways to increase transparency in the development of regulation and to reduce the red tape burden placed on builders

“The building and construction industry contributes to close to eight per cent of the country’s economic output. Improved productivity will help the industry maintain its vital contribution to economic output and help shift it out of the ‘slow lane’ of the current two speed economy,” Mr Harnisch concluded.