Victoria’s new building industry watchdog is now up and running.
The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) began operations on Tuesday, July 1 and is now the single-entry point to Victoria’s building system for consumers and industry.
The BPC brings together the functions of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) and the domestic building insurance arm of the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA).
The new regulator will also soon have new powers to address gaps in the building industry regulatory system.
These include being able to act against a builder after the homeowner has moved in, which is when problems are most often discovered.
The BPC also has the ability to order builders back to fix non-compliances, a measure designed to save consumers time, money and the stress of dealing with defects and the builder on their own.
The VBA’s Anna Cronin was appointed as the new regulator’s inaugural commissioner and chief executive.
“The establishment of the BPC is just the beginning of a new chapter but it’s a huge step forward,” Ms Cronin said.
“Our new powers will be a game changer for consumers.
“We at the BPC will be working hard every single day to help restore confidence, protect consumers and educate and support practitioners.”
The BPC’s consumer and practitioner services centre is available Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm on 1300 067 088.
