Auditor General Review: Compliance with Building Permits

Each year, the Victorian Auditor-General presents to Parliament an annual plan, which describes the proposed work program for the coming year.

The Annual plan is Section 7A of the Audit Act 1994 (Vic) requires the Auditor-General to develop an annual plan and present it to parliament, following consultation with Parliament's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee.

The Constitution Act 1975 (Vic) establishes the Auditor-General as an independent officer of the Victorian Parliament. The Auditor-General provides assurance to Parliament on the accountability and performance of the Victorian public sector.

The annual plan sets out, for the coming financial year, the work program and the resources required to implement the program.

In this years plan, the Auditor General has determined to review the effectiveness of the building permit system, in assuring that approved works meet requisite building and safety standards.

It is anticipated that the Auditor General will table the review to Parliament in September 2011.

Compliance with Building Permits

Building permits play an important role in regulating proposed building works, and in assuring that minimum building and safety standards are met. During 2009?10, 113 670 building permits were issued for works valued at almost $24 billion. Undertaking building work without obtaining the necessary building permit is an offence.

The Building Act 1993 sets out the legal framework for the regulation of construction of buildings, building standards and maintenance of specific building safety features in Victoria. All building work is required to comply with this Act, the Building Regulations 2006 and the Building Code of Australia (BCA) unless otherwise exempted. The regulations set out specific requirements relating to building permits, building inspections, occupancy permits, regulatory enforcement and maintenance of buildings. The BCA is a national uniform set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures.

The audit will determine the effectiveness of the building permit system in assuring that approved works meet requisite building and safety standards.

The report is expected to be tabled by end of September 2011. [Link]