The New Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission
The Victorian Government is establishing a new Regulator, the Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission (VBPC), to oversee the state’s domestic building and plumbing industries. This unified agency will consolidate all aspects of building quality control—including regulation, insurance, and dispute resolution.
The overall aim is to streamline processes and enhance consumer protection. Importantly, it will replace the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Here are some of the key features of the new Regulator:
What Will the Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission Oversee?
Oversight of Builders and Plumbers: This includes responsibilities such as registration, enforcement, and disciplinary actions, which were formerly under the jurisdiction of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Domestic Building Insurance: The provision of domestic building insurance, previously handled by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA), will now fall under the Commission’s purview.
Dispute Resolution Services: Services related to resolving domestic building disputes, once offered by Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV), will be integrated into the Commission’s operations.
By unifying these responsibilities, the VBPC aims to streamline processes and enhance oversight within the industry.
What Sort of Powers will the VBPC Have?
In respect of housing, these are the main powers the VBPC will have. They also have additional powers in respect of apartment buildings over three storeys.
Ensure Builders Rectify Substandard Work: Require builders to correct defective work, even after a building has been occupied. This is a major change from current regulations, where the VBA can only direct builders to fix defective work before the home is occupied.
Oversee Domestic Building Insurance: Manage a new first-resort domestic building insurance scheme, making it easier for homeowners to access coverage without costly legal action.
When does the VBPC start?
There is no fixed date yet but it is anticipated that it will start mid 2025.