The Queensland Government is initiating steps to
facilitate quicker resolution of contractual disputes between home owners and
builders. Changes are being made at the Queensland Building and Construction
Commission to make the building industry watchdog more customer-friendly and
accessible.
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Tim Mander explains
that a new early dispute resolution service would make the process far less
stressful for builders and home owners.
According to Mr Martin, contract disputes can become
very emotional given that the dispute is between families who are making the
biggest investment of their lives, and builders whose livelihoods could be on
the line. Such contractual disputes could, in the past drag on for months.
However, the revitalised service, which comes into
effect on July 1, will significantly reduce the cost that disputes can place on
consumers and contractors while also substantially reducing the time it takes
to resolve them without taking legal recourse.
Mr Mander observed that the free service is part of the
Government’s strong plan to grow construction and create a brighter future for
the industry.
In addition to the early dispute resolution service, the
Commission will now offer an internal review process to allow anyone
dissatisfied with its decision to have it reviewed without the need to appeal
to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). Customers will also
be able to access information and advice from the Commission at any time of the
day or night thanks to a new 24/7 call centre as well as an overhauled website
that gives access to 100 per cent of information within three clicks.
