BUILDING REGULATIONS

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:03): I seek leave to make an explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations on the subject of truss regulations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I understand that from 1 July changes to development regulations will mean that South Australian councils will be forced to inspect two-thirds of all buildings with roof-framed construction by a licensed builder. For most councils this is estimated to more than double the number of buildings they are required to inspect at an estimated cost of $230 per inspection.

I further understand that no additional funding has been made available by the government for these measures, which means that it will be footed by councils and, therefore, ratepayers and consumers. Officials from Alexandrina and Loxton-Waikerie councils have also expressed concerns over a statewide shortage of accredited building surveyors which will be exacerbated by this measure. My questions to the minister are:

1. Does he accept the Local Government Association's claim that the regulation changes will cost councils between $3 million and $4.5 million each year?

2. What steps have been taken to ensure there is not a decrease in other inspections relating to things such as swimming pools and general construction?

3. What steps have been taken to ensure long delays in building processes caused by the shortage of accredited building surveyors are mitigated?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:05): This question would probably be more appropriately directed to the Minister for Planning, so I will ensure he gets the question and provides an answer as soon as possible.