Industry baffled over lack of consultation on building code

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and a number of Australian industry associations in the building and construction sector have expressed concern over the lack of consultation between the government and industry over a new Building Code which commenced Friday 1 February 2013. A joint statement was issued by ACCI, Master Builders Australia, Housing Industry Association, Master Plumbers & Mechanical Services Association of Australia, Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors’ Association of Australia, National Electrical and Communications Association and the National Fire Industry Association.

Changes to the code revolve largely around balustrades with horizontal elements and openable windows that may act as a barrier. Other changes reference energy-efficiency provisions related to artificial lighting, construction in flood-prone areas and slip resistance. However, the issue lies with the process by which change was implemented, rather than the changes themselves.

According to the ACCI website, “Content issues aside, industry is concerned that the new Building Code was published only two days before its commencement and was promulgated without the dialogue that industry would expect on issues of such significance.”

The media release goes on to suggest that an appropriate time frame for consultation was not permitted, which essentially undermines the integrity of any such consultation. ACCI suggests that this situation raises uncertainty for industry members as established business practices and arrangements known to conform to government tender requirements on publicly funded projects may be non-compliant.

ACCI further maintains that these complications have arisen “given the unilateral decision of the Gillard government to try and override state government procurement guidelines” and that proper consultation would have ensured this was not the case.

Promoted as ‘the national voice of Australian business’, ACCI believes that this matter must now be addressed urgently if the interests of industry are to be properly respected.