NSW Draft Building Bill – Our Submission
The ACA’s submission to the NSW Government on the Draft Building Bill 2024 is a critical part of our advocacy efforts for the architectural profession and our organisation. NSW/ACT Advocacy Spokesperson Stephen Pearse led the development of this submission and remains our conduit with the NSW Building Commissioner.
At the ACA, we have always been committed to shaping a built environment that serves our communities while maintaining the highest professional standards. Our submission to the NSW Government on the Draft Building Bill 2024 reflects these values.
Download the ACA Submission here
CONTEXT
The proposed legislation aims to streamline the construction sector’s regulatory landscape, with a focus on improving building quality and enhancing consumer protection. As a peak body representing 260 member practices and 2,050 staff across NSW, we took this opportunity seriously – consulting widely with our members and collaborating with other key industry associations.
KEY CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Architects Act
Our primary concern is the proposed absorption of the Architects Act into the Building Bill. We argue that this move risks:
- Undermining the holistic value of architectural expertise
- Reducing architecture to merely a construction delivery service
- Losing the comprehensive professional standards currently maintained by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Licensing and Professional Recognition
We have proposed a nuanced approach to licensing that:
- Recognises the complexity of architectural work
- Establishes clear definitions for different design professionals
- Creates a tiered licensing system based on building complexity
- Maintains pathways for building designers to become registered architects
Protecting Professional Integrity
Our submission emphasises the need to:
- Clearly define architectural design across different project stages
- Maintain rigorous professional standards
- Protect the broader societal and consumer benefits of architectural expertise
Recommendations
We’re not just raising concerns – we’re offering solutions. Our recommendations include:
- Maintaining the Architects Act as a separate entity
- Expanding ARB membership to include Building Commission representatives
- Developing a comprehensive public education program about architects’ value
- Establishing an ongoing stakeholder consultation process.
Collaboration
We have called for:
- A dedicated stakeholder forum
- Ongoing dialogue with government bodies
- A formal review mechanism to assess the new regulatory framework’s effectiveness.
NEXT STEPS
We are committed to working collaboratively with the NSW Government. We have invited further discussion and remain open to constructive dialogue to refine this important piece of legislation.