The South Australian government has announced a $1.1 million investment over the next two years to enhance support for consumers and the building industry in managing complaints.
This funding boost comes as part of the state government’s efforts to address challenges faced by the sector in recent years.
The additional resources will be allocated to Consumer and Business Services (CBS), the state’s consumer watchdog, to expand its capacity to handle building-related issues.
The investment will enable CBS to provide improved advice to consumers and traders, assist in dispute resolution, and oversee conciliation processes.
Furthermore, it will strengthen the agency’s ability to assess complaints and determine if enforcement action is necessary.
South Australia has maintained one of the lowest rates of builder insolvencies nationwide on a per capita basis.
While most consumers do not encounter major issues during home construction, complaints have primarily centred around completion delays stemming from historical problems.
In addition to this financial commitment, the Malinauskas Government is conducting a comprehensive review of the state’s building regulations, the most extensive in nearly two decades.
The review will address various issues, including:
- Streamlining the dispute resolution process
- Introducing a permit system for owner-builders
- Requiring registration for building inspectors
- Considering the regulation of developers
- Enhancing consumer protections against contract exploitation
- Evaluating the need for stricter penalties
- Exploring mandatory Continuing Professional Development Schemes for builders and related trades
Andrea Michaels, the responsible minister, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting both consumers and builders in resolving disputes efficiently.
She stated, “South Australians rely on builders and tradies, and we want to make sure they get the support they need to resolve disputes quickly and effectively”.
Will Frogley, Chief Executive of Master Builders SA, welcomed the investment, noting that it would help maintain the industry’s reputation by addressing issues with the small number of builders who may engage in misconduct.
He assured consumers that by choosing reputable builders, they can expect positive outcomes in their construction projects.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to address housing challenges in South Australia.
The 2024-25 Budget includes significant investments in housing, such as $576 million for redeveloping SA Housing Authority land and $135.8 million for building and upgrading social housing dwellings.
