Bills backing skilled tradies pass first reading

Legislation that will allow skilled plumbers and drainlayers to sign off on their own work has passed its first reading in Parliament, alongside a second Bill aimed at raising standards and improving accountability for building professionals.

“The Government is cutting red tape in the building consent system to make it easier and more affordable to deliver the new homes and infrastructure we need to raise living standards and grow the economy,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

“The system has long been slow and inefficient, with even straightforward plumbing and drainlaying jobs delayed by lengthy inspection wait times, leading to frustrated tradies and homeowners who end up bearing the cost of lost time.

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