Criminal Offence for Builders Receiving Payment Without Domestic Building Insurance

Building Legislation Amendment (Domestic Building Insurance New Offences) Bill 2023

1st House

2nd House

Law

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Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Builders commit an offence if they demand or receive money for domestic building work without ensuring the work is covered by required insurance.
Penalty amounts for receiving payment without insurance increase if the builder knows or is reckless about the lack of coverage.
The Victorian Building Authority can compel people to provide information or documents to determine if insurance laws are being followed.
Registered building practitioners face immediate suspension of their registration if they contravene these insurance requirements.
Unregistered builders may be barred by a court from applying for registration for up to three years if found guilty of these offences.
The Victorian Building Authority can start summary offence proceedings or apply for court injunctions against builders who fail to maintain insurance.

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