Developer Review a ‘Laundry List’ of Reforms

The Queensland government has released its long-awaited 60-page discussion paper on the proposed developer review process.

The report puts forward 38 options aimed at addressing underlying risks in the development and construction industry, including payment and certification, however, industry says it could significantly impact the sector.

But according to Property Council of Australia’s Queensland executive director Jen Williams it’s more of a “laundry list of options”.

“We remain concerned there is little evidence to support the need for potentially sweeping changes, a point that we have re-iterated to the independent review panel since its inception,” Williams said.

“We have long cautioned that any new regulation or reform will impact the industry’s capacity to deliver critical stock to market amid a housing crisis, and will act as a further deterrent for investment at a time when Queensland needs it most.”

The Developer Review Panel was established in November last year and is made up of Alison Quinn, Gina Patrick and John Payne.

The review follows industry feedback about the important role of developers, and the need to examine the impact of their financial and operational capacity, ethical behaviours and work practices.

The remit of the panel is to address security of payment in the sector and examine the impact developers have on the quality and safety of design, construction and certification of the built environment.

Feedback is being sought on the 38 potential reforms put forward in the discussion paper, which could materially impact the construction sector in Queensland.

According to a statement from law firm McCullough Robertson, the implementation of the reforms would result in “a significant change to the regulation of the construction and property development industry in Queensland”.

The Developer Review Panel was appointed under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 to conduct a review of the role of developers in the building and construction industry.

“The property sector is not only responsible for providing the homes we live in, but the critical hard and soft infrastructure we need to keep our communities thriving,” PCA Qld chief executive Jen Williams said.

“The positive role our members play in supporting social, environmental and economic benefits for the state is too often overlooked.”

The consultation period will ends on December 16 and a final report will be released subsequent to that.