NSW welcomes the state’s first building regulator

Building Commission NSW commenced operations this week, making it the state’s first building regulator. Among the regulator’s main priorities would be to oversee any issues that might arise related to compliance, safety and durability as more and more houses are constructed in the state.  

The regulator will be headed by Commissioner David Chandler, who will assume the role of the Building Commissioner of NSW.  

“It will be my privilege to lead this next phase of delivering the trusted housing that the state's community desperately needs,” said Building Commissioner David Chandler.  

The establishment of a building regulator means that there will now be 400 staff who will be working to ensure that quality and standards are adhered to in the construction of homes in NSW.  

Building Commission NSW is funded thanks to $24 million being allocated in the state budget. New laws have also been passed that give the Building Commissioner more powers to hold builders and the building industry accountable for any decline in the quality of homes that may get built.  

“In recent years we’ve heard horror stories about defects in apartment buildings but we’re turning the tide with Building Commission NSW,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.  

“The Building Commissioner has made a start restoring integrity, now we’ve given him the powers and resources he needs to get on with the job.” 

Along with a new dedicated regulator, the building sector will now also have Ministerial oversight in NSW, with the first ever Minister for Building being appointed, who will work in tandem with the new regulator.  

“Building Commission NSW will turbocharge our work to restore trust and integrity in the building sector,” said the new Minister for Building, Anoulack Chanthivong. 

“Buying a home is the great Australian dream, Building Commission NSW will help make sure it doesn’t turn into a nightmare.”