A case in the ABC news about homeowners and the BPC
This one is close to home, I myself reside in Torquay…
It is terrible what people like single mother Rebekah Abela have had to go through.
However, even with an active regulator this doesn’t necessarily mean redress for homeowners.
Waiting at VCAT for years and now under the cloud of a new system proposed for the BPC. Will this be much better?
What about when dodgy builders are ordered to return and fix under rectification orders?
More generally, it is positive to see the regulator active and on the rise. But we need this long term and not just for homeowners but for the builders, plumbers and developers who are doing the right thing as well.
We need a system that encourages the many builders doing the right thing.
The new chief at BPC Anna Cronin has said “I’ve made it very clear to staff, I’ve made it very clear to industry that consumer protection and putting consumers first is our fundamental goal,” Ms Cronin said.
That’s great as a goal but we now need to see more ‘meat on the bone’ . How is the regulator going to manage and issue rectification orders, what will be the process, how will it assess expert evidence, how will it monitor compliance?
At the end of the day, good intentions are great, we now need to see the system working and functioning. And that means communication with industry, legal practitioners as well and getting processes in place so more quality homes can be built in this great state.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-05/victoria-homewners-building-and-plumbing-commission/105728826
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