Industry welcomes red tape review
MASTER Builders has welcomed the release of the Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) interim report on Measuring and Reducing the Burden of Regulation.
Master Builders director of housing policy Paul Bidwell said the report has identified the compulsory six-star energy rating for new homes, the ban on electric hot water systems and mandatory requirements for rainwater tanks as fast track areas for immediate review.
"Master Builders responded to the OBPR on behalf of the building industry in an attempt to address unwarranted regulations that add to the cost of building as well as creating a compliance nightmare, particularly for those running small businesses," Mr Bidwell said.
"We're delighted that the OBPR's interim report includes some of the key areas highlighted by Master Builders.
"If rectified, changes in these areas have the potential to significantly reduce the regulatory burden on the building industry, which will have a positive effect on the cost of housing.
"Housing in much of Queensland has become increasingly unaffordable, in part because of these regulatory requirements.
"The cost of a rainwater tank adds around $6000 to the cost of a new house - much more on smaller lots.
"If changes are made as a result of this review, it can only be good news for our industry, which has been struggling with the rising cost of compliance with complex government regulations for some time.
"Current regulatory processes have allowed the adoption of regulations where the costs to Queensland far outweigh the benefits - so we see both the industry and the broader Queensland community as big winners.
"The long held view of previous governments that businesses can simply pass on the costs of regulation is incorrect and we believe this latest report demonstrates the Queensland Government's commitment to reducing red tape in Queensland."
