Page 1714 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 15 May 2019

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MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cheyne for the supplementary question. We have a series of reforms with three purposes. We want to ensure that: we have the highest level of building quality in Australia; people have confidence in our building system; and we are able to get a good, strong regulatory outcome when things are not up to scratch. This change to design document requirements is a clear signal to all involved in the industry about all three of those intentions.

We expect our buildings to be thoughtfully designed with enough detail for building certifiers to determine compliance and for builders to reasonably build from. By clarifying the minimum documentation requirements, we are giving builders greater detail to work from to improve the outcomes of the building process.

We also want consumers to know what they are paying for. By insisting on good documentation requirements, consumers will have greater confidence that the buildings being built will conform to building standards.

These guidelines will also link into the new code of practice for building certifiers to be released for consultation shortly. Building certifiers have an obligation to make sure that the technical information required by building laws and the guideline is provided. This reform provides greater clarity in the regulatory system of what is expected and what will be required. It is part of our comprehensive reforms to lift the quality of buildings in the ACT.

We have set out to improve the quality of buildings in the territory, and this documentation guideline is one of the ways we are doing this. It is something we have promised we would do, and it is something we have delivered.

Mr Barr: Further questions can be placed on the notice paper.

Supplementary answer to question without notice

ACTION bus service—school services

MISS C BURCH: On a point of clarification, Madam Speaker, in one of her responses, the Minister for Transport advised that route 2024 goes past the Causeway. However, she failed to mention that it does not travel in the direction children need to go in to get to and from school.

Housing—residential property sector

MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (2.51): I move:

That this Assembly notes:

(1) the importance to the ACT of having a Commonwealth Government that is a good economic manager;

(2) the lack of affordable accommodation in Canberra, for both home owners and renters;


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