Tougher regulation urgently needed

The Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary, Leigh Hubbard, 
last week called on the Bracks Government to introduce stricter 
regulations for work undertaken in the home renovating 
sector.

"The tragic death of a 26-year-old man yesterday [August 3] 
clearly points to a need for tougher regulations and more 
education programs regarding home renovations", Mr Hubbard said.

"The workers in the home renovation sector often receive no 
training with regards to performing such dangerous work. The 
Victorian Government needs to get its house in order and better 
regulate the sector through mandating that all home renovations, 
even those costing less than $5000 are carried out by a licensed 
tradesman and have a permit", he added.

Currently, under the Building Control Regulations, any building 
work being undertaken below $5000 does not require a permit or a 
registered tradesperson to carry it out.

The house being re-stumped was located on ground made soft by 
recent rains and was not back-propped to ensure the work was 
carried out safely. Clearly, the men carrying out the work were 
not equipped with the right tools or the right training to be 
undertaking this job.

"Let us learn from this tragic death of a recent father and 
ensure that in addition to changing building regulations, 
WorkSafe undertakes urgent intensive education and training 
programs in the sector", Mr Hubbard concluded.