ACT developer licensing scheme expected in 2022

ACT Sustainable Building and Construction Minister Rebecca Vassarotti said the territory government aimed to introduce the new laws in the second half of next year.

Under the proposed laws, property developers would be required to have a licence to build projects in the territory.

The licensing scheme has been on the agenda for close to two years, but this it the first time the government has provided a timeline for the scheme.

The ACT's planning directorate has recently undertaken some initial policy and regulatory analysis work on the scheme.

Ms Vassarotti told the territory's parliament the analysis had identified some key issues that would need to be worked through before the laws could come before the Legislative Assembly.

The issues included definitions around what actually constituted a property developer, proper accountability measures and whether new laws needed to be introduced alongside the scheme.

"The key thing that we are really trying to look at in terms of property developer licensing is around ensuring that there is appropriate accountability and there is visibility in terms of who consumers are dealing with when they are entering into some of the biggest investments in their lives," Ms Vassarotti said.

"We have seen some key issues around building quality, and a significant amount of work has occurred in terms of improving the regulatory system.

"But we do know that there is more work to be done, so we would see property developer licensing as a lay element of this."

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Ms Vassarotti said the government would seek a consultant to help look at key issues and to engage with stakeholders, including those in the industry.

The government expects to employ a consultant before the end of the year.

During the first half of 2022, the government will develop its legislative model.

Former building quality minister Gordon Ramsay first announced the licensing scheme in late-2019.

ACT Labor was prompted to adopt the law as policy after fierce advocacy from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.

The union argued developers had been subject to "minimal scrutiny".

Construction workers, including builders, electricians and surveyors are already required to have licences to work in the ACT.

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