Changes to building and construction law

On November 5, 2009, the Deputy Governor made the Queensland Building Services Authority and Other Legislation Regulation 2009.

The regulation amends the Building and Construction Industry Payments Regulation 2004, the Domestic Building Contracts Regulation 2000 and the Queensland Building Services Authority Regulation 2003, and practitioners are advised to familiarise themselves with the changes to those regulations, almost all of which came into immediate effect.

Of particular significance is the change to the value of building work for which a licence is required, which has risen from $1100 to $3300. Unlike other provisions of the regulation, this change takes effect on December 1, 2009. This will impact on many facets of building disputes, including claims under the Queensland Building Services Authority’s Statutory Warranty Scheme, and practitioners will need to be aware of the consequences of this change in order to provide accurate advice to both consumers and contractors.