Building Industry

Mr GEE (Napier) (14:49): My question is to the Minister for Housing and Urban Development. Can the minister inform the house about outcomes of the recent Building Ministers' Forum and how these will support the building industry in South Australia?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (14:49): The building industry provides vital employment to the state, and the government will continue to work to support this sector. The recent Building Ministers' Forum in Sydney saw states, territories and the commonwealth agree to deregulation reforms that have the potential to unlock an additional $1.1 billion in economic benefits per year to business and consumers.

Key to reforms agreed was that from 2015 onwards, the National Construction Code will be available free and online. The reform will see the code more widely used, with up to 200,000 practitioners rather than just the 1,200 who until now have had to purchase it for almost $400. This is as much as a 16-fold increase.

The National Construction Code provides model regulation, and making the code easier to use will help ensure that Australia continues to maintain high standards in the building and construction industry. The meeting was also another opportunity for me to raise issues further to our vibrant city agenda. Reuse of existing buildings is a key priority of this government, highlighted by our election commitment to commit $100,000 annually to Renewal SA over the next four years.

As the representative for South Australia, I raised at the highest level the issue of impediments to building renovation in the National Construction Code. The Australian Building Codes Board will now investigate the matter and provide all states and territories with advice on how this problem could be resolved at a national level. I heard in Sydney that as much as 1.2 million square metres of office space sits idle due significantly to these impediments alone. That is significant.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: In Sydney; 1.2 million square metres.

Mrs Vlahos: Because of regulation?

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Because of regulation.

Mrs Vlahos: Regulation or speculation?

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Regulation. This is a national problem, and South Australia is pleased to be leading the nation in progressing reform. This government will continue to work with industry to stimulate the economy to support key jobs and drive economic growth.