Defects and disqualifications: Watchdogs given more licensing powers

Regulatory watchdogs overseeing the building sector have received expanded licensing powers to address defects and remove unfit practitioners from the industry. These enhanced enforcement mechanisms allow authorities to more effectively investigate building defects, pursue disciplinary action against non-compliant practitioners, and strengthen gatekeeping controls over who can operate in the residential building space. The move reflects growing pressure to lift standards across the sector and prevent repeat offenders from continuing to practice.

Tighter licensing controls directly impact remedial practitioners, certifiers, and strata professionals by raising the bar for compliance and creating clearer consequences for defective work. For those operating legitimately, enhanced enforcement can improve market integrity and reduce competition from cowboys. However, practitioners need to ensure their defect management practices and compliance records withstand scrutiny, as disqualification powers now extend further upstream in the regulatory process.