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An independent review of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) governance framework has now been completed. The QBCC Governance Review 2022 (Review Report) (PDF, 2162.46 KB) makes 17 recommendations (and 77 actions) to strengthen and transform the QBCC into a more effective regulator.

The Queensland government supports or supports in principle, and is committed to addressing the independent reviewer’s findings to deliver reforms that reflect the outcomes sought by the recommendations and review. It is also recognised that many of the specific actions are complex and will need further detailed analysis before deciding how best to deliver the intention of the recommendation.

An implementation steering committee will oversee implementation of the government’s response and be responsible for publication of regular updates.

A 90-day action plan, with a firm focus on implementation, has been prepared as the strong foundation for a 3-year period of change.

  • QBCC Governance Review announced

  • QUT hosted online discussion forum

  • Online survey and written submissions

  • Australian and New Zealand School of Government research

  • Analysis of material

  • Report submitted to the Queensland Government

  • Government response to the Report

Background

The QBCC is Queensland’s building industry regulator.

The Department of Energy and Public Works (the Department) commissioned an independent review into the governance arrangements of the QBCC in November 2021.

The review was completed, and the Review Report delivered to the department in May 2022.

Immediate priorities

The Queensland government is prioritising actions that strengthen the conflicts of interest framework, improve transparency, impartiality, fairness, and consistency in the QBCC’s decision-making processes.

Other priorities include separating the functions of the mediation, resolution, and review unit from the QBCC licensing and compliance functions, as well as ongoing staff training to deliver a regulator with a clear focus on outcomes and customer service.

Independent reviewer

Lead reviewer Jim Varghese was inundated with strong views and suggestions for improvement throughout the four-month review.

The Review Report acknowledges the regulator performs a wide range of functions, across a large and varied industry and that Government’s nationally have asked building industry regulators to do more in an increasingly complex environment.

Mr Varghese comments about the importance of avoiding politicisation of the QBCC and of focusing on implementing the Review Report recommendations for change.

He noted the significance of creating and maintaining the momentum for effective change and to address the gap between where we are now and where the QBCC aspires to be as an outcomes-focused statutory agency.

I recently led an independent review into the governance arrangements of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission or the QBCC.

The objective was to ensure the governance of the QBCC is contemporary, fit for purpose and reflects best practice.

The recommendations I have presented in the final report provide specific actions to address the gap between where we are now, and where the QBCC aspires to be as an outcomes-focused statutory agency.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation process. Your honest, candid, and insightful feedback has been critical to the success of this activity.

We will all benefit from a strong building and construction industry which is the third largest sector of the Queensland economy and the third largest employer.

Independent reviewer Mr Jim Varghese reflects upon the review process and the importance of a strong building and construction industry for all Queenslanders.

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Last updated: 
1 August 2022