11 Aug Senate inquiry launched into non-conforming building products
The Australian Senate has announced that an extensive inquiry will be held into non-conforming building products, in a bid to protect construction workers and consumers from sub-standard work.
Submissions were made by interested parties ahead of the August 3 deadline, and the move has already been welcomed by some of the country’s biggest industry groups. There are high hopes that it will help stamp out some of the unscrupulous companies undertaking building maintenance in Australia.
Among them is the Housing Industry Association (HIA), which noted how important it is for products to meet Australian compliance standards. The HIA’s Senior Executive Director for Building Development and Environment Kristin Brookfield said this should be the case regardless of their country of origin.
“The problem of non-genuine and non-tested building materials and components making their way into building product supply chain is growing,” outlined Ms Brookfield.
“A key concern is that the evolution of compliance and enforcement in Australia has not kept pace with changes to our economy, global supply chains, and how or where products are manufactured or sourced.”
Master Builders Australia (MBA) agreed, acknowledging that it was about time that the potential hazards caused by these products were fully recognised. CEO of MBA Wilhelm Harnisch explained that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and relevant state and territory building approval agencies could play a crucial role in ensuring this is the case.
Senators Nick Xenophon, John Madigan and Jackie Lambie have been appointed to the inquiry and a report on the matter is due to be issued by October 12. Both individuals and organisations have been asked to put forward their views, which will be taken into consideration when compiling the final report.
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