In 2016, the Victorian Government commenced a three-year building industry reforms program. As part of this program, amendments to the Building Act 1993 will commence on 1 July 2019 through the Building Amendment (Enforcement and Other Measures) Act 2017.
These amendments will address:
On 1 July 2019, the way in which the building permit levy is paid to the VBA will change, reducing some of the regulatory burden on building surveyors.
Building surveyors will also be required to obtain a building permit number from the VBA before issuing a building permit. It is important to note that building surveyors will be required to provide the VBA with certain information when applying for a building permit number, as well as monthly reports and information relating to prescribed events.
To assist in the implementation of some of these reforms, the VBA is developing an online system – known as the Building Activity Management System, or BAMS – to issue building permit numbers and receive payment of the building permit levy.
The VBA has engaged with representatives from industry, the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, building surveyor software vendors and selected municipal and private building surveyors to understand system requirements and inform the development of BAMS. These groups have provided valuable input into the design of BAMS.
The relevant building surveyor must notify the VBA of prescribed events that relate to a building permit via the BAMS portal.
The BDAV will keep members up to date on progress of BAMS as it is updated.