THE Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams has welcomed the release of the Position Paper setting out proposed reforms to the Home Building Act 1989.
Mrs Williams said the new laws were expected to be introduced to State Parliament later this year and would cover many aspects of the home building legislation, including dispute resolution, statutory warranties, home building contracts, owner-builders, home warranty insurance and licensing.
“These reforms will give both consumers and the industry greater clarity over their rights and obligations, thereby providing greater consumer protection while still supporting home building activity and investment in NSW,” Mrs Williams said.
“Under the proposed reforms owner-builder permits will no longer be able to be used to circumvent licensing requirements.
“The reforms will also ensure that future home building disputes, which can be costly and onerous, will be resolved in a timely and efficient manner.
“In addition, the reforms will ensure phoenix companies and other poor performing builders are removed from the industry.”
In 2011, following the introduction of urgent amendments to the act to help stimulate the industry, the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government committed to a broad and comprehensive review of home building legislation and in July last year, released an issues paper reform of the Home Building Act for consultation.
The NSW Government conducted an extensive consultation process, including broad public and industry input on the 2012 Issues Paper, with 133 written submissions received and 502 responses to an online survey.
Mrs Williams said the position paper provides the public and industry with a preview of the reforms before they are introduced into Parliament later this year.
The paper is available at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
