The Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 passed both Houses of Parliament on 1 June 2023 and received Royal Assent on 6 June 2023, after a 3 year process to identify and remedy issues relating to building regulation.

The new Act makes a number of significant changes to the Building Act 1993, the Architects Act 1991, the Surveying Act 2004 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987, with a key focus on consumer protection.

This work is led by the Department of Transport and Planning. With the introduction of the new Act the reform process for Victoria’s building system is now in its second stage, guided by an Expert Panel chaired by the Commissioner for Better Regulation.

The Act introduces a number of reforms, including several arising from the recent stage 1 report delivered by the Expert Panel, that have not yet taken effect. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is working with the Victorian Government on the detail of the provisions and will communicate with practitioners close to the commencement dates. 

A second discussion paper is due to be released this year seeking stakeholder feedback on options for improving:

• statutory duties

• dispute prevention and resolution

• compliance, enforcement and discipline

• insurance

• new building technology and information

• building maintenance

• complex and prefabricated plumbing.

Following this consultation Stage 3 of the reform program will include advice on the development of a new Building Act, including national harmonisation as appropriate, and changes to regulations. It is anticipated that the Panel’s recommendations on Stage 3 will be finalised in 2023.