Raymond Huo
Building and Construction Spokesperson

28 February 2012

Huo urges Government to withdraw building bill

The Building Amendment Bill (No. 3) is a half-hearted bill which falls short of the reform required in the building industry and should be withdrawn from Parliament, says Labour’s Building and Construction spokesperson Raymond Huo.

“At a time when the building industry is under huge pressure with the Christchurch rebuild, the repair of leaky homes and a huge skill deficit all looming large a comprehensive reform of the industry is required, not a band-aid approach.

“While talking to stakeholders over recent weeks, I have been made aware of the appalling state of an industry where the multi-billion dollar rotten timber disaster is just the tip of the iceberg and there are serious issues within our construction industry, particularly problems with structural engineering.

“We agree with submitters to the Local Government and Environment select committee who said that the bill took a piecemeal approach and did not address the full reform of the sector that is needed.

“The Bill in its current state shifts responsibility and accountability away from local councils and onto consumers and builders. With councils taking less responsibility, there is a greater risk and fewer remedies for consumers.

“I’m calling on Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson to withdraw the bill and work towards real reform of the entire industry.

“Genuine change is needed if the building industry is going to avoid collapsing within the next 10-20 years. The National-led Government’s feeble attempt to revamp building laws will do nothing for the industry in the long-term,” Raymond Huo said.

ENDS

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