A new review commissioned by the Victorian Building Authority‘s CEO Anna Cronin, has revealed significant failings in the Authority’s handling of complaints from homeowners burdened by defective or unfinished properties.
The report outlined ineffective regulation, delays, lost complaints, and dismissive treatment of complainants, leading to severe financial and emotional distress for homeowners.
Highlighting issues like duplicating or ignoring complaints, and a lack of technical inspections, the review concluded that the VBA’s lack of oversight had allowed substandard work and unethical practices to flourish.
In response, the Victorian government has announced plans to replace the authority with a more powerful regulator, uniting regulation, insurance and dispute resolution.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny is set to detail the overhaul, promising enhanced powers to address and prevent building defects.