VBA Mail – April 2023

Our homes are our most precious asset and likely the biggest purchase any of us will make.

That’s why the recent collapse of Porter Davis Homes and Lloyd Group, which has impacted so many Victorians, including owners, building and plumbing practitioners, subcontractors and suppliers, is such sad news.

We recognise this is a very difficult time and are working with other government agencies and appointed building surveyors to support owners with information and assistance.

A dedicated page on the VBA website has been developed with information to assist owners impacted by builder insolvency, including a link to make a claim against domestic building insurance (DBI).

A fact sheet (PDF, 114.44 KB) has also been published that includes information about what to do if your builder is insolvent and the VBA’s role when builders become insolvent or face financial difficulty.

NCC 2022 set to be adopted on 1 May 2023

As Victoria’s building and plumbing regulator, the VBA has a role in educating practitioners and providing regulatory guidance that is clear and authoritative, to safeguard Victoria’s future.

At every opportunity, we aim to increase awareness of the sector’s regulatory environment and help practitioners and industry understand their obligations, so that the built environment is safe for all Victorians.

To improve the safety and sustainability of buildings throughout Victoria, we are committed to keeping practitioners informed about changes to the National Construction Code (NCC), ahead of its adoption by states and territories on 1 May 2023.

The VBA has been working closely with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and industry to share information and updates as we transition.

This is the most significant amendment to the NCC since its inception in 1996 and will have a major impact on industry. Some of these major changes include improved energy efficiency standards for residential buildings, including new requirements for building, sealing and insulation and enhanced accessibility requirements for new buildings, with a focus on improving access and safety for people with disabilities.

As a reminder, Victoria will adopt NCC2022 from 1 May 2023, but has agreed to transitional arrangements for the adoption dates of the following specific requirements:

• 1 October 2023 – New liveable housing requirements commence.
• 1 October 2023 – New energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements commence.
• 1 September 2025 – New lead-free plumbing product requirements commence.

The VBA understands that there were some typographical errors made in the drafting of the Code that may have caused confusion for industry. The complete and correct NCC2022 series is available to download from the ABCB website. A register of editorial corrections made by the ABCB to NCC 2022 is also available. The editorial corrections do not change the effect of the provisions.

In late March, the VBA met with the ABCB to discuss the adoption of NCC 2022 in Victoria. We continue to collaborate with industry and seek feedback on identified gaps and assessing further guidance and education resource requirements. The VBA will provide further material specific to Victoria and advocate as appropriate with ABCB for any further national guidance requirements.

ABCB NCC 2022 educational resources

You can access the NCC in full through the ABCB website, as well as useful handbooks and guidance materials and a series of articles that give an overview of some of the key changes and new requirements that may impact your work when NCC 2022 is adopted.

You can also watch recordings of the recent ABCB NCC 2022 Webinar Series to learn about key changes and new provisions in NCC 2022 Volume One and Volume Two for energy efficiency, condensation management and livable housing design.

VBA NCC 2022 roadshows

To communicate the detail of NCC 2022, the VBA hosted in-person seminars and webinars in September and October 2022. You can view the NCC Building and NCC Plumbing webinars on demand.

For more information about NCC 2022, visit the dedicated VBA website hub .

As we approach the adoption of the NCC, we will continue to provide you with updates and relevant resources. 

To stay up-to-date with the latest news from the VBA, follow our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

In this edition...

Latest Proactive Inspections Program report

The VBA’s Proactive Inspections Program involves checking building and plumbing works under construction throughout Victoria.

The Security of Payment Act helps people who carry out construction work get paid

The VBA reminds building and plumbing practitioners that the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (SOP Act) exists to help ensure that any person who carries out construction work or supplies related goods and services under a construction contract gets paid.

The importance of plumbing run-off cover

Plumbing practitioners are reminded that covering yourself against public liability claims can be a vital part of running a successful business. This cover can be important not only during day-to-day activities, but also after your business has ceased trading.

Research grant funds creation of virtual reality training tool

The VBA is investing in innovation that could mean builders and plumbers can one day use virtual reality to improve the quality of their work and increase consumer confidence. Learn more about this Research Grant project, led by RMIT University.

VBA investigation leads to $40,000 penalty

The VBA’s compliance and enforcement role is essential in ensuring that building and plumbing practitioners adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety and that their work meets the needs of the communities they serve. Following a VBA investigation, a Victorian man was convicted and ordered to pay over $40,000 for performing building work without registration.

Two research reports published to help better understand major regulatory harms

In recent weeks, the VBA has published two important research reports that help us better understand major regulatory harms and how interventions can be shaped to improve public safety and amenity in the building and plumbing industries.

Build Aware program visits Bass Coast

VBA inspectors joined forces with regulators Energy Safe Victoria, WorkSafe and the Environment Protection Authority to carry out inspections in and around Phillip Island and Wonthaggi construction sites as part of the Build Aware campaign. The Build Aware campaign is an important initiative that helps to strengthen industry by promoting safety and compliance.

Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 is before Parliament

There is legislation now before Victorian Parliament that is a major step on the Victorian Government’s path to initiate reform measures for the building industry.

Research into building design to combat water damage

New research conducted by the University of Sydney and supported by a VBA Research Grant aims to develop guidance for the design, construction and maintenance of buildings to combat water damage.

Webinar series educates practitioners in record numbers

The VBA's Practitioner Education Series webinars are free of charge and aim to improve the knowledge and skills of building and plumbing practitioners by promoting better quality construction work that complies with best practice.

Lawful debt management: Victorian building and plumbing licences and registrations

In recent months, a spike in the number of Australian building companies entering administration has led to concerns from consumers and practitioners about the industry’s viability, amid supply chain issues, cost of materials and other economic factors.

2023 Building Surveyors' Conference locked in for 16 August 

All Victorian municipal and private building surveyors and their support staff are invited to save the date for the 2023 Building Surveyors' Conference, which will take place on Wednesday, 16 August 2023. Further details including location and conference agenda will be sent to you soon.