The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has undergone a significant shake-up as the terms of several board members expired on 6 April 2024.
Chief Commissioner Michelle McLean, Carmel Coate, Sam Torre, Yvonne von Hartel, and Julia Cornwell McKean have now left the VBA.
The decision by the Victorian government not to extend the terms of these board members has reduced the size of the VBA board to only a handfull of members.
The changes are said to be part of a broader review and reform package for the Victorian building industry, following industry issues.
Scrutiny of the VBA intensified in March 2023 when builder Porter Davis collapsed without the necessary insurance for its customers, exposing issues with the VBA’s oversight and regulation of the building industry in Victoria.
The VBA’s overall handling of the Porter Davis situation contributed to the decision to replace the entire VBA board.
The current VBA board consists of a reduced five-member board, with the previous commissioners being replaced, and only the new CEO, Anna Cronin, having joined the organisation.
No new commissioners will be appointed to fill the expired roles — which further reduces the size of the board.
The VBA has faced criticism for failing to enforce essential building requirements, including compliance with compulsory Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) and appropriate inspections of building works.
VIC Shadow Minister for Planning James Newbury stated: “Jacinta Allan and her government have sat on their hands and allowed many home buyers to be ripped off or left with substandard work because the regulator is just not strong enough.
“Instead of ensuring Victorians having a tough cop on the beat that weeds out the small number of dodgy builders, Labor has allowed the regulator to slip further into chaos.”
VIC Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability, Evan Mulholland, echoed these sentiments, as he stated: “Victorian homebuyers are the casualties of the VBA’s failures, many of whom now face the uncertainty as to when, if ever, they’ll get the keys to their dream home.
“While Labor has sat on its hands, the Liberals and Nationals have long called for a review of the VBA, to ensure the protection of Victorians.”
