Qld pools may be covered by government warranty

The Queensland State Government is setting up a new independent Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) to replace the Queensland Building Services Authority (QBSA) as part of the biggest change to the industry regulator in 22 years.

Housing and Public Works Minister Tim Mander has released a 10-point action plan to reform building regulation in response to 41 recommendations handed down by last year’s parliamentary inquiry.

As part of the action plan, the minister has decided to investigate whether swimming pools should come under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.

The Committee recommended extending the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme to include the construction or renovation of all homes irrespective of the method of construction and to include swimming pools and ancillary structures. The minister supported this proposal in principle, and is establishing an implementation committee with input from the insurance industry, to consider whether there are benefits to a tiered approach to the level of cover after considering premium costs and whether the type of work covered should be extended. This should include consideration of works that do not need a building approval.

Adrian Hart, CEO of SPASA Queensland, says that SPASA has been actively involved with the government’s review of the QBSA and has met with the minister and his advisors several times.

“The association’s positive approach to working with the Government is paying off with improved recognition and stakeholder engagement being afforded to SPASA Queensland,” he says.

“While a direction has been set a number of matters are still subject to further review and implementation. SPASA Queensland will work closely with the implementation committee in regards to key matters of concern to the industry.

"These include improved domestic building contracts, licensing and compliance review, education and training processes for consumers, a fast track domestic disputes resolution model similar to the commercial payments legislation and a review of the Home Warranty Scheme coverage.”

In regards to the Home Warranty Scheme, Hart says SPASA has advised the minister they will work with the government no matter which way they decide to go.

“It is important to note, however, that approximately 70 consumers have only recently benefited from the SPASA Watertight Contracts Scheme after the financial demise of a long-standing member. These consumers would have no cover if it was not for the forethought of the SPASA Queensland members in setting up the scheme over ten years ago,” he says.

“This situation goes to demonstrate the importance of a consumer protection scheme whether it be provided by the association for its members or by the government for all contractors. Of course the government is concerned about the cost of running such a scheme providing coverage to all consumers. Their previous actuarial advice has indicated the Home Warranty Scheme could not afford to include pools. It will be interesting to see which way they decide to go.”

Meanwhile, responsibility for registering pool safety inspectors is proposed to be transferred to the QBCC.

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