- The program covers both financial reporting and safety standards
- As a result of feedback from industry bodies such as Master Builders and Housing Industry Association
- Pilot program will run until the end of the year
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has announced a new pilot program that intends to raise the standard in both financial reporting and safety across the building industry.
The two new courses fall under the QBCC’s Compulsory Continuing Professional Development (CCPD) program.
Mick de Brenni, the Minister for Public Works and Procurement, said the program is a result of feedback from industry groups such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders Association (MBA) who have been calling for a program to lift building standards.
“The training also takes a significant step towards delivering on a key recommendation of the Building Confidence Report which called for all practitioners to undertake compulsory Continuing Professional Development on the National Construction Code,” said Mr de Brenni.
The report, which was conceived in 2018, was commissioned by the Building Ministers Forum after major building failures occurred in other states.
“This pilot program adopts an approach which has been specifically geared up for Queensland and the unique conditions of this state.”
Mick de Brenni, Minister for Public Works and Procurement
Brett Bassett, QBCC Commissioner, added that the regulator had collaborated closely with key stakeholders over the past two years to develop the program.
“I’m proud to announce that the QBCC has created and is delivering a CCPD program to benefit licensees participating in it, and the consumers who will contract with them in future,” Mr Bassett said.
“The program’s courses on financial reporting and safety reporting obligations are subjects that greatly influence the sustainability and wellbeing of the industry and its participants.
“This is a great initiative from the QBCC, as CCPD programs are not currently available to the majority of our licensees.”
Brett Bassett, QBCC Commissioner
Paul Bidwell, Master Builders Deputy CEO, said the program allows for both safeguarding building quality while simultaneously enabling efficient construction throughout the state.
“We’ve been advocating for a CCPD scheme for many years and it’s an initiative that has overwhelming support from all sectors of the industry,” Mr Bidwell said.
“Our goal is to raise the bar, particularly for new residential builders, and equip them with the right knowledge and competencies that help them to succeed in their business.”
Paul Bidwell, Master Builders Deputy CEO
The pilot program will run until the end of the year and will help the QBC to identify future potential professional development needs. The programs apply to private certifiers, architects, pool safety inspectors and engineers although this list cohort may increase.
