New South Wales’ progressive implementation of its ‘six-pillar reform program’ for the local construction industry continues, with numerous significant changes introduced in recent months.
Most recently, the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020 (NSW) (RAB Act) now requires notice of an intention to apply for an occupation certificate, and gives the Department of Customer Service broad investigative and remedial powers in relation to ‘serious defects’ in residential apartment buildings.
A new retrospective duty of care has been introduced by the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) (DBP Act), whilst the practitioner registration, compliance certificate and insurance requirements imposed by the same Act will come into force on 1 July 2021.
The ‘Construct NSW’ agenda is directed at restoring public confidence in the construction industry, particularly in relation to multi-storey apartment buildings. This article provides an overview of the most recent legislative changes.
