The opportunity
for a wide-ranging Parliamentary Inquiry aimed at establishing greater
protections for both the building industry and homeowners has been lost after a
shameful shutdown today by the Gutwein Liberal Government.
Shadow Building
and Construction Minister Jen Butler said both builders and homeowners looking
for improved laws and regulation in the industry would not forget the
inexcusable behaviour of the government and responsible Minister Elise Archer
who, by voting against the proposed inquiry, were burying their heads in the
sand on important issues in the construction industry.
“Voting for this
inquiry in the Parliament this afternoon was the government’s opportunity to
put an end to an on-going rash of needlessly unresolved housing construction
issues,” Ms Butler said.
“Voting for
this inquiry was the Liberal’s chance to acknowledge that the building and
construction industry is booming but both the industry and consumers are being
let down by a handful of shonky builders and we need to guarantee and protect
the quality reputation that Tasmanian builders have.
“It was the chance to
give assurance to the building and construction industry that it cannot
continue to be undermined by a few shonky builders whose practices undermine
the reputation of the whole industry.
“It was the
chance to examine the adequacy of current legislation and regulation available
to Consumer, Building and Occupational Services and send a message to consumers they would not have to resort to
costly private legal action to get shoddy work rectified.
“But the
Liberal Government has deliberately allowed that opportunity to pass and they
have let down builders and homeowners who often face needless heartache and
considerable expense.
“Regardless of Liberal’s refusal to get on board this important issue today, Labor will continue to advocate for the change that is needed and put pressure on the government to agree to an inquiry so consumers and industry can have their say on how protections can be improved.”
Jen Butler MP
Shadow Building and Construction Minister
