VBA appoints new State Building Surveyor

The position of State Building Surveyor will act as an authoritative industry leader for building surveyors and building practitioners across Victoria. The role will support the industry change required to ensure buildings are consistently well-built, safe and fit for purpose.

Mr Cialini’s appointment follows an extensive nationwide search. He will commence in the role in July.

The appointment of a State Building Surveyor was recommended by the Victorian Cladding Taskforce.

The Chief Executive Officer of the VBA, Ms Sue Eddy, said the appointment was a significant one for Victoria’s building industry.

“Building surveyors play a critical role in the regulation of the building industry. They are the front line in building approval and in ensuring buildings are properly constructed and fit for occupation,” said Ms Eddy.

“We at the VBA are pleased Mr Cialini will be joining us and drawing on his experience to enhance the profession’s standing and performance at such a critical time for the building industry.”

Mr Cialini brings a wealth of experience to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with Honours from the University of Adelaide, and a Graduate Certificate in Building and Planning from the University of South Australia.

He is also registered as a building surveyor in Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

Mr Cialini has widespread industry experience gained from roles in the private sector and as an adviser to the South Australian Government. He is currently the chairman of the Building and Facilities Committee of the Property Council of Australia (SA) and a member of the Master Builders (SA) Technical Committee. He has previously been a member of the Property Council of Australia’s (National) Regulation Review Committee.

Mr Cialini currently sits on both the Building Reform and Essential Safety Maintenance Provisions Reform working groups in South Australia.

He is currently the director of BuildSurv, the second-largest building surveying and certification company in South Australia, which specialises in large and complex commercial projects. He is leaving this role to join the VBA.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and the Institute of Engineers Australia.

Mr Cialini will commence as State Building Surveyor on 29 July 2019.

Mr Cialini’s appointment is one of two major senior appointments at the VBA, both of which markedly increase the VBA’s technical knowledge and skills.

Doctor Darryl O’Brien has been selected as the VBA’s new Director, Technical and Regulation.

Dr O’Brien is currently the head of undergraduate Built Environment Studies and a lecturer in Built Environment at Central Queensland University. He brings considerable knowledge and experience in monitoring and assessing the impact of regulation on industries and consumers.

Dr O’Brien will take up his role at the VBA on 8 July 2019.