Amendments to the Building Regulators are being proposed for 2007

The Victorian Government proposes to recommend to the Governor-in-Council several amendments to the Building Regulations 2006 (the Regulations).  The proposed amendments relate to:

1. A CPI increase of 2.5 per cent to most regulated fees in the building industry; and
2. Changes tor residential planning zones for three municipalities - Kingston, Knox, and Manningham.

1. A CPI increase of 2.5 per cent to regulated building industry fees

CPI increases to fee structures are commonplace in many industries.  The Victorian Government proposes to recommend to the Governor-in-Council a CPI increase of 2.5 per cent to most regulated fees in the building industry.  The recommendation will be made for the necessary amendment to the Regulations.

The proposed date for introduction of the new fees is 1 November 2007.  A table outlining changes to fees is detailed in this  Fact sheet. 

2. Changes to schedules for residential planning zones

The government also proposes to recommend to the Governor-in-Council an amendment to Schedule 5 of the Regulations, to change residential planning zones for three municalities. 

The additions are:

• Kingston Planning Scheme Residential 3 Zone (R3Z)
• Knox Planning Scheme Residential Zone (R3Z)
• Manningham Planning Scheme Residential Zone (R3Z)

How can Victorian building legislation be changed?

Building legislation can be changed in two ways: by new legislation being made by Parliament or by new regulations being made according to the requirements of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994.  Both processes are open to public scrutiny.

1. New legislation can be made through a Bill which must be considered and passed by both Houses of Parliament.  It then must be given Royal Assent by the Governor in Council before it becomes an Act of Parliament.   More information regarding this process can be found on the Parliament of Victoria's website.
2. The Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 sets out the requirements for the preparation, making and publication of new regulations and ensures that all new regulations are subject to Parliament's authority and control.  The Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 also requires that all regulations be re-made after 10 years of operation.  This is referred to as the "sunsetting" of the Regulations.  More information regarding this process can be found on the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission website.