NSW Building Bill 2024 – ACA seeks feedback
On Friday 16 August, the ACA attended a briefing session on the new Building Bill 2024. If passed in its current form, this Bill could significantly impact our profession and the quality of the built environment in NSW. As architects, we have a responsibility to ensure that our expertise and the value we bring to projects are recognised and protected. The ACA NSW/ACT Committee seeks feedback from members about the impacts on your business and possible alternatives. Feedback due COB Friday 23 August.
Key Issues in the Draft Bill:
- Dual Licensing System: the Bill proposes a parallel licensing structure for architects and building designers. While we support the licensing of building designers, we must maintain the distinct professional standards, qualifications and governing bodies associated with architectural practice.
- Ambiguous Definition of “Design”: the term is used without a clear definition, which could lead to confusion about the scope of architectural services.
- Uncertainty with Existing Regulations: there’s uncertainty about how this Bill will interact with crucial regulations like SEPP 65.
- Undervaluation of Architectural Expertise: the Draft Bill fails to recognise the holistic, value-adding skills architects bring to projects. This oversight threatens to limit the use of architectural expertise and safeguards that qualified architects provide, posing a serious risk to consumers.
What We’re Doing:
We’re actively engaging with the NSW Building Commissioner, the NSW Architects Registration Board and the Australian Institute of Architects to address these concerns. However, we need your voice to strengthen our position and turn this into an opportunity to better our profession.
What You Can Do:
- Review the Draft Bill and familiarise yourself with the proposed changes. You can download a copy of the Draft Bill here and/or watch a summary video here.
- Spread the Word: Inform your colleagues and clients about these potential changes and their implications.
- Share Your Thoughts: We want to hear from you. How might these changes affect your practice? What alternatives would you propose? Send feedback to nswact@aca.org.au by Friday 23 August.
Stephen Pearse, advocacy spokesperson for ACA NSW/ACT, stated:
“While we support efforts to improve building quality and consumer protection, we believe the current draft could have unintended consequences. We must ensure that any new legislation enhances rather than diminishes our ability to serve the public good.”
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need more information. Please contact Marie Frost at nswact@aca.org.au.