What is the Building Practitioners Board?
The Building Practitioners Board recommends to the Minister for Building and Construction approval of the Rules for the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme. The Rules include the standards for each licensing class. The Board also hears appeals against licensing decisions and complaints against licensed building practitioners.
Who is on the Building Practitioners Board?
- Alan Bickers (Chairperson).
- Paul Blackler (Deputy Chairperson).
- Patrick Lawrence.
- Jane Cuming.
- Graham Moor.
- Colin Orchiston.
- David Clark.
- David O’Connell
Members of the Board serve terms of between three and five years.
How are the members of the Building Practitioners Board selected?
The Board is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Building and Construction. The current Board members have a mix of skills, including industry expertise in design, construction and inspection services, legal, dispute resolution and mediation skills and governance.
Board members act as individuals - they are not on the Board to represent industry groups.
How does the complaints process work?
Licensed building practitioners will be responsible for their work and the work of people they supervise within a clear framework of roles and accountabilities.
The Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme is not intended to increase a practitioner’s liability through the courts, however, accountability is enhanced. If members of the public believe the work of a LBP has been substandard they can make a complaint to the Building Practitioners Board. If a complaint is upheld, the licensed building practitioner may face a range of penalties, including being ordered to:
- undertake further training
- restrict the type of work they carry out
- pay a fine up to $10,000
- have their licence suspended or cancelled.
Any disciplinary action taken by the Board will be recorded on the public register for three years.