The August budget will deliver on our election promises, fix the budget mess and lay the foundations for a better future.
The Liberal Government promised to cut red and green tape to make Tasmania a more attractive place to do business and we are delivering on that commitment by reviewing Tasmania's Building Regulatory Framework, which will help create jobs and drive investment.
The key question of the review is – if we are starting with a clean slate how would we regulate our building processes that govern the $2 billion industry and a construction sector that employs around 17,500 Tasmanians.
The review will include an analysis of interactions between the eight key pieces of legislation and policies affecting the building industry including:
* The Building Act 2000
* The Building Regulations 2004 and the Plumbing Regulations 2004
* The Housing Indemnity Act 1992
* The Occupational Licensing Act 2005
* The Architects Act 1929
* The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payments Act 2009
* The Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal Act 1993
* The Fire Service Act 1979
The building sector is one of Tasmania's key industries and is a significant contributor to the state's economy.
But it has been held back by legislation and regulations which have been largely unchanged since their introduction a decade ago.
The number of jobs and the quality, safety and cost of building work in Tasmania are heavily influenced by this framework and this review will make it easier for people to do business in the state.
An issues paper has been developed following consultation with key stakeholders, including industry, local government, consumers and building practitioners, looking for comment on every aspect of the building process.
Public submissions are now open which will help form a position paper to be released later this year for further comment.
The Liberal Government is laying the foundations to rebuild our economy by supporting key industries.
Our policies, including the headworks holiday and local benefit test for Government tenders, have already seen dwelling and construction approvals increase since the election of a majority Liberal Government in March, as well as the creation of over 2,000 jobs.
We are also assisting the industry through the provision of the $30,000 first home builders boost which is the most attractive grant program in the country.
A summary consultation paper and the full issues paper is available on the Department of Justice website www.justice.tas.gov.au
Submissions close on Monday September 8 2014.