Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Madigan and Lambie, move:

That the following matters be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 October 2015:

(a) the economic impact of non-conforming building products on the Australian building and construction industry;

(b) the impact of non-conforming building products on:

(i) industry supply chains, including importers, manufacturers and fabricators,

(ii) workplace safety and any associated risks,

(iii) costs passed on to customers, including any insurance and compliance costs, and

(iv) the overall quality of Australian buildings;

(c) possible improvements to the current regulatory frameworks for ensuring that building products conform to Australian standards, with particular reference to the effectiveness of:

(i) policing and enforcement of existing regulations,

(ii) independent verification and assessment systems,

(iii) surveillance and screening of imported building products, and

(iv) restrictions and penalties imposed on non conforming building products; and

(d) any other related matters.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not be opposing this motion, but I just want to make two points—firstly, that work is underway within government to address this important issue of building product compliance and fit for purpose at the next Building Ministers' Forum in July, and, secondly, that the Commonwealth does not have sole responsibility for this issue, and any changes that are required would need the agreement of the states and territories.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Xenophon be agreed to.

Question agreed to.