{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHIA calls for urgent reform of Tasmania’s Protection Work framework
HIA calls for urgent reform of Tasmania’s Protection Work framework
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
HIA has escalated its advocacy on long-standing issues relating to Protection Work, writing to both the Deputy Premier and the Executive Director of Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) to urge urgent action on behalf of industry.
HIA Executive Director Tasmania, Benjamin Price, said "targeted amendments are necessary and overdue. It is important they are prioritised to ensure the residential building industry can deliver the homes Tasmanians need without unnecessary regulatory burden."
What is Protection Work?
Protection Work refers to measures undertaken during building work to protect neighbouring properties, infrastructure and the public from potential damage or injury caused by construction. Protection Work-specific insurance requirements also apply.
Why the current framework is failing
Despite the importance of Protection Work, HIA affirms that the current framework creates uncertainty about when Protection Work is required and who formally determines its application.
As noted by Mr Price, "the Building Act does not expressly assign responsibility to a qualified decision-maker to determine when Protection Work is required."
“This leads to delay, confusion and, at the end of the day, potential risks for members and their clients.”
Combined with the lack of clear criteria in the Act, Regulations and supporting materials, this often leaves owners responsible for making complex technical assessments they may not be qualified to make. The result is uncertainty, project delays and ongoing back-and-forth between owners and builders, with building surveyors only required to make a formal determination when a dispute arises.
HIA is also concerned about the practical operation of current Protection Work insurance requirements, noting there are limited insurance products available in Tasmania that align with the requirements in the Act. The situation is further complicated by inconsistencies between the requirements in the Act and existing guidance, creating uncertainty about how owners and builders can meet the insurance obligations in practice.
"Overall, this results in a legal requirements that are impractical to meet."
Building a framework that works
HIA is advocating for reform that improves certainty and reduces unnecessary regulatory burden for both industry and consumers, including:
- clear criteria identifying when Protection Work is required;
- building surveyors to become the primary technical decision-makers;
- better alignment between insurance requirements and available insurance products; and
- Improved guidance, education and engagement from CBOS, with HIA ready to support the development and delivery of practical resources, training and awareness initiatives for industry and consumers.
Mr Price said, "these changes would strengthen protections for consumers, reduce unnecessary delays and financial risk, and support a more efficient building approvals system across Tasmania."
HIA will continue working with Government to progress these reforms and improve regulatory certainty for members across Tasmania.
Builders reject Apprentice Employer Licensing proposal
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on the Victorian Government to withdraw its proposal to require employers to obtain a licence before engaging apprentices, warning the scheme will add red tape, increase costs and reduce apprenticeship opportunities at a time of severe skills shortages.
Secure timber supply critical to housing Australia's growing population
A secure domestic timber supply will be essential to meeting Australia's future housing needs, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) said today at Parliament House at the launch of National Forestry Day.
Protect gig workers but do not capture tradies in the net
“New minimum standards for ‘employee-like workers’ in the on-demand economy come into force today, with HIA warning the new framework must remain targeted and not spill over into genuine independent contracting arrangements,” HIA Senior Executive Director Compliance & Workplace Relations, Stuart Collins said today.
Construction skills growth vital amid rising competition for labour
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) today welcomed the Albanese Government's continued focus on skills, training and apprenticeships following a media event in Canberra today with Federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles, local builders and apprentices.