19 June 2020

Elise Archer, Minister for Building and Construction

Six month extension to current building and plumbing permits

The Tasmanian Government is continuing to support the building and construction sector through the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government has issued a Notice pursuant to section 14 and 16 of the COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 to extend certain permits issued under the Building Act 2016 (the Building Act).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of building projects have been disrupted, put on hold, or their completion delayed.

The Government recognises that flexibility to industry, councils and property owners is required to assist them during the pandemic period.

The Notice will extend current building, plumbing, demolition and partial completion permits issued under the Building Act for a further six months.

This step will also ensure that builders and property owners can continue their projects without the need to apply for a permit extension which would involve extra time and costs.

The Notice also extends permits issued for historical “pre-2012” permits granted under the former Building Act 2000 that are deemed to expire on 30 June 2020. This will allow further time for property owners and permit authorities that have been affected by the emergency period to undertake necessary work.

Further details

Specifically, the Notice:

• amends the provision of a permit to extend the period specified in the permit so that the period ends six months after the day on which, but for the Notice, the period would end relevant to:
  • a current permit issued under section 143, 169, 193 or 260 of the Building Act 2016 or that is contained in a permit that is taken to be issued under the Building Act by virtue of clause 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 to that Act; and
• extends the expiry period of a current permit to six months after the day on which, but for the Notice, the period would end relevant to:
  • a permit issued under section 143, 169, 193 or 260 of the Building Act 2016 or that is taken to be issued under the Building Act by virtue of clause 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Building Act.

We will continue to do all we can to support this vital sector during Tasmania’s recovery from COVID-19.

For more information, visit the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) website at www.cbos.tas.gov.au.

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