Victorian Building Authority

Changes are coming to the VBA. As part of a package of major reforms, VBA CEO and Commissioner Anna Cronin will head up a new, tougher watchdog that brings the VBA, Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria and the Domestic Building Insurance function of Victorian Managed Insurance Authority under one roof. The new Building and Plumbing Commission will have stronger enforcement powers to hold rogue practitioners to account – including stopping developers from selling seriously defective apartments. We’ll be able to help affected consumers at all stages of a build – whether it’s before or after the work is complete – and provide them with better access to insurance. Learn more about these upcoming changes https://lnkd.in/daPBCF7s

Our free VBA Industry Conference in Melbourne kicks off tomorrow morning at Marvel Stadium. Don’t forget to attend and enjoy some free food and coffee while ensuring you’re across the major changes coming to building and plumbing regulation in Victoria. There are still spaces available for the Plumbing stream from midday – register at our website: https://lnkd.in/gcF6xNm8 Can’t wait to see you there!

Register now for our next Practitioner Education Series webinar for plumbers. In this edition, our technical experts will address your most frequently asked questions about mechanical services. 🔧 Neville Campbell, Acting Team Leader (Plumbing) 🔧 John Pham, Senior Technical Advisor (Plumbing) VBA webinars support practitioners to understand regulations, ensuring compliance and keeping consumers safe. Sign up at our website: https://lnkd.in/gvH5U6Wc

The agenda for next week’s FREE VBA Industry Conference in Melbourne is out! Hear key insights and updates from VBA CEO and Commissioner Anna Cronin, State Building Surveyor Steven Baxas, and representatives from Master Builders Victoria, Energy Safe Victoria and the Department of Transport and Planning. Our morning session for builders and surveyors will cover topics such as livable housing and building reform, while the afternoon session for plumbers looks at changes in gas standards, common compliance questions and more. To see the full agenda and to register, visit our website: go.vic.gov.au/4dYcdhM

Our latest building standards video explains how to correctly secure internal brace walls to floors in accordance with AS1684. While a brace wall’s main purpose is to transfer lateral loads through a structure load path, failing to properly secure brace walls to the floor structure may affect a building’s structural integrity. Stay up to date with Australian Standards to ensure your work is safe and compliant.

From next week, the VBA will relocate to Level 19, 242 Exhibition Street. Our new office will allow us to meet the growing needs of Victorians as we transition into the new Building and Plumbing Commission, incorporating Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria and the Domestic Building Insurance arm of Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) Our online and phone services will continue to operate as usual. Learn more about upcoming changes to the VBA: go.vic.gov.au/3AmOgml

In the first half of 2024, the VBA issued more than $682,000 in fines, completed 386 investigations and closed 1,736 complaints. We have zero tolerance for rogue practitioners and will not hesitate to use our powers to hold them to account. Read more in our latest Compliance and Enforcement Report: https://bit.ly/48laO3z

Licensed plumber Jason Schultz carried out gas fitting works and mechanical services at a site in Glen Waverley while neither licensed nor registered to do so. Schultz also permitted another person to carry out gas fitting works on his behalf without the correct license. As a result, the VBA has: • imposed a penalty of $6,608 plus $1,036 in inquiry costs • ordered Schultz to complete a training course. The VBA has zero tolerance for non-compliance. Our fundamental goal is to protect consumers and ensure industry has the knowledge and tools to meet its obligations.

Attention plumbers! It's 3 weeks until our next FREE Industry Conference at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, on 7 November. Get the latest insights on emerging trends and regulatory approaches impacting the sector. You'll hear from industry spokespeople as well as our technical experts answering your questions. Register at our website: https://lnkd.in/gcF6xNm8

To make applying for building surveyor registration faster and easier, we now recognise Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) accreditation and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) membership when assessing applications. This will streamline our registration process and help to increase the supply of registered building surveyors in Victoria. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gWtVxQS9