Master Builders welcomes call for inquiry into non-conforming building products

Master Builders Australia supports the call by Senators Xenophon, Lambie and Madigan for a Senate Inquiry into Non-conforming Building Products (NCPs).

“We welcome the recognition of the seriousness of the problem NCPs pose to the building and construction industry, commercial and residential builders and the safety of the community,” Wilhelm Harnisch CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“It is vital that building products comply with Australian Standards and regulations regardless of their point of origin,” he said.

“Safety is paramount and the problem of non-conforming building products entering the Australian construction supply chain highlights the growing role for regulators such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and relevant state and territory building approval agencies, in addition to architects, designers (and others who specify building products), suppliers and builders to ensure that building products are compliant regardless of their source,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“Master Builders supports the ACCC in their launch earlier this week of an awareness campaign about the dangers posed by faulty electrical cabling products Infinity and Olsent cabling,” he said.

“NCPs pose challenges for both commercial and residential builders and Master Builders looks forward to working with Senators Xenophon, Lambie and Madigan (in addition to other members of a Senate Inquiry should one be established) to review the current gaps in the system that has seen NCPs being used in buildings,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.