The Western Australian government will draft new legislation for building design, certification and construction. 

In late December the government announced its Building Better package with changes based on 39 recommendations from the national Building Confidence report. 

The Building Better package adds to the state’s building engineers registration scheme, commencing 1 July 2024.  

New legislation will initially focus on improving the design and construction of high-rise buildings, including apartments. 

Once the new laws are drafted, they will be released to peak bodies, local governments and building professionals for technical consultation. The government will also release an action plan with a timeline for implementation, allowing for at least 12 months between stages.  

Engineers Australia looks forward to working with the government and members during the consultation process. 

Engineers Australia's WA General Manager Susan Kreemer Pickford says Engineers Australia initially convened a building safety taskforce in Western Australia following Cyclone Seroja. 

"The taskforce helped to progress measures in collaboration with the WA government to reduce the impact of future high wind events. Comprised of members and industry representatives, the taskforce has worked in consultation with Engineers Australia’s Structural College to review and provide input to these building reforms,' she says.

"Engineers Australia continues to support the implementation of the recommendations from the Building Confidence Report and we welcome this progress in WA to safeguard the community."

Commerce Minister Sue Ellery said the reforms will increase consumer protections, modernise the way buildings are designed, approved and constructed in WA, and provide peace of mind that buildings are safe and constructed to the required standards. 

"Significant consideration has been given to ensure the reforms are implemented gradually, are well understood by building professionals and local governments, and cause as little disruption as is practicable,” she said. 

The government has confirmed that reforms in Western Australia will include: 

• staged implementation of mandatory inspections of new apartment and other commercial buildings at critical stages  
• improved enforcement powers for the Building Commissioner, Building Services Board and permit authorities 
• tiered registration of builders and other improvements to requirements for building professionals 
• improvements to the engagement of building surveyors
• enhancements to building design documentation, including minimum standards, registration requirements for designers and third-party review of structural and fire safety designs for complex and significant buildings 
• clearer processes for documenting design changes  
• building manuals for high-rise apartment buildings  
• increases to fine penalties 

For more information on the upcoming changes see the WA Department of Energy, Mine, Industry Regulation and Safety website.