Tasmania to crack down on scrap metal and copper theft

The Tasmanian Government is working with the building industry to crack down on scrap metal thefts.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said theft of copper cabling, plumbing and other metals hits Tasmanian families, small businesses and the construction sector hard, with offenders often also causing extensive damage.

“Our Government is focussed on protecting small businesses and home buyers, and that’s why we are working with industry to stamp out copper theft,” Minister Barnett said.

“We are working with the building industry to develop legislation that will crack down on the theft of copper and other metals from job sites.

“I thank the HIA, CCF, Master Builders Tasmania and NECA for their proactive engagement on this issue.

“Together with industry, Tasmania Police and other stakeholders, we will develop a model that focuses on protecting our tradies and building industry from crime, without adding red tape or unnecessary regulation.”

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said metal theft has a significant impact on businesses and families.

“These criminals cause major disruption, drive up costs for businesses, and can create serious safety hazards, including exposed wiring and damage to essential services,” Minister Ellis said.

“This work will target those doing the wrong thing and toughen penalties for those offenders.

“We will learn from other jurisdictions and ensure Tasmania Police has the powers it needs to crack down on this criminal activity.”

Civil Construction Federation, chief executive, Andrew Winch said this issue puts massive pressure on the cost of building and construction.  We are pleased Government has listened and is acting quickly to implement systems to try to reduce the problem. This is a positive first step.

Ben Shaw, Executive Director National Electrical Communications Association Tasmania, said copper theft on construction sites is rife at the moment, costing electrical contractors and their clients millions of dollars in lost materials, revenue and productivity. The financial impact is significant, but the disruption and damage caused to projects can be even greater.

Master Builders Tasmania CEO, Jenna Cairney, has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to working with industry on stamping out building site thefts. Our builders have had a gutful. Thieves are targeting building sites across the state and stealing anything they can get their hands on.

Housing Industry Association Executive Director, Ben Price, said

Tasmanian builders just want to get on with the job. Cutting off the market for stolen metal will help them do exactly that. Builders are fed up with seeing materials walk off site. It hits the bottom line, hurts hard-working Tasmanian businesses and slows the job down.