The Victorian Government is delivering changes to the governance of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) as part of a suite of reforms at the regulator to ensure Victorians can have confidence when building, buying or renovating a home.
The Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny announced new governance arrangements to support broader changes at the VBA, with current multi-commissioner governing board being replaced by a sole Commissioner.
“The role of the building regulator is critical as we deliver more homes for Victorians that are where people want to live – close to transport, jobs and services – under the landmark Housing Statement,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“These changes will deliver stronger oversight of new home builds, ensuring safer, quality and affordable homes for Victorians.”
The VBA’s current CEO, Anna Cronin has been appointed to the role of Commissioner and will commence in the role from 31 March 2024.
Ms Cronin has been in the role of CEO since July 2023 and has been leading major changes to the organisation’s performance and culture, including refreshing the VBA’s regulatory strategy to ensure consumer protection is at the core of the regulator’s work.
Ms Cronin will be supported by new advisory committees, consisting of key building, plumbing and consumer experts that will help strengthen the regulator’s practices and performance.
The new arrangements will support a program of rapid change at the VBA to deliver a regulator that Victorians can trust – and to ensure that Victorians can have confidence in the quality and livability of their home.
Further safeguards for Victorians building or renovating a home are being considered through the work of the Building System Review Expert Panel and a review of the Domestic Building Contracts Act.
