Response to the Cook Government’s Building Better Reform package

UDIA WA acknowledges today’s announcement of reforms to Western Australia’s building laws based on the 24 recommendations of the national Building Confidence Report.

The State Government has developed 39 recommendations in response to the Building Confidence Report, of which the reform package is built upon. The recommendations can be viewed in the Decision Regulatory Impact Statement here.

As anticipated, mandatory notifiable stage inspections are included as part of the reform and will initially focus on apartment developments of 4 storeys and higher as well as commercial buildings, with scope to apply to residential housing construction following a review of the rollout, which is due to commence in 2026.

UDIA WA is an advocate for the increasing densification of Perth and has been working collaboratively with the State Government in the lead up to today’s announcement to ensure a considered and contextually appropriate response to the Building Confidence Report.

The application of a consistent minimum inspection regime for apartments is a welcome step for increasing consumer confidence in the development industry and we recognise that the majority of UDIA WA members are already meeting or exceeding their compliance obligations.

The details

The Cook Government’s reform package will include:

• the staged implementation of mandatory inspections of new apartment and other commercial buildings at critical stages of construction;
• improved enforcement powers for the Building Commissioner, Building Services Board and permit authorities;
• tiered registration of builders and other improvements to requirements for building professionals;
• changes to the engagement of building surveyors including the requirement for only one building surveyor contractor to be appointed at any time, to be named on the building permit as the Statutory Building Surveyor for the duration of the permit;
• enhancements to building design documentation, including minimum standards, registration requirements for designers, and third-party review of structural and fire safety designs for complex and significant buildings;
• clearer processes for documenting design changes during construction;
• building manuals for high-rise apartment buildings to enhance transparency and access to information after construction is complete; and
• increases to fine penalties.

A consultation draft of the legislation is yet to be released however the Government has committed to working with UDIA WA on both understanding the changes as well as providing input once the draft is available.

UDIA WA has released a media statement on the announcement with a focus on ensuring consumer confidence during the transition period. The media statement is available here.

Please feel welcome to reach out to CEO Tanya Steinbeck
or Executive Director of Strategy & Policy Sarah Macaulay with any queries.