In response to advocacy from the construction sector, this motion by Liberal MLA Peter Cain called on the Government to address prohibitively long building approval times. Members of the construction sector have indicated that it can take up to seven weeks for approval of basic tree protection plans. Larger, more complex approvals relating to housing and community development can take a lot longer. Thomas spoke at a rally outside the Assembly on the morning of this motion calling for processes to be simplified and streamlined to make it easier for quality construction work to be carried out on time in the ACT.

Mr Cain’s original motion included a commitment not to change the ACT’s implementation of the National Construction Code for the remainder of the 11th Assembly. Concerns were raised across the Assembly that this could inadvertently result in the ACT’s regulatory framework being misaligned with national standards, and the Greens successfully moved an amendment to remove this commitment. 

Independent MLA Fiona Carrick further amended the motion to call on the Government to consult with the community, not just the construction sector, on address unnecesssary regulatory burden. 

Of course, regulation in the construction sector plays a vitally important role in ensuring building safety and quality. Thomas focused his remarks on the need to achieve this aim in a timely manner. He supported the amended motion, noting that delayed approvals do not improve building quality; they only increase costs. Ultimately it’s everyday Canberrans who have to foot the bill for those costs.