❓ Mr. Love questions the delay in action against Nicheliving, despite numerous complaints. The Premier defends the cautious approach due to the seriousness of deregistration and highlights measures to assist affected homeowners.
AnsweredQoN 460Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
NICHELIVING
460. Mr R.S. LOVE to the Premier:
I
refer to the Building Services Board's decision not to renew the
registration of Projex Management and Construction Pty Ltd, trading as
Nicheliving. Noting that the Building Commissioner received more than 70
complaints against Nicheliving, dating back as far as January 2022, why has it
taken the Premier's government so long to take any action against this
builder and why was it taken only as part of a routine registration renewal
application?
460. Mr R.S. LOVE to the Premier:
I
refer to the Building Services Board's decision not to renew the
registration of Projex Management and Construction Pty Ltd, trading as
Nicheliving. Noting that the Building Commissioner received more than 70
complaints against Nicheliving, dating back as far as January 2022, why has it
taken the Premier's government so long to take any action against this
builder and why was it taken only as part of a routine registration renewal
application?
AnswerView source ↗
We did so for a very important
reason; that is, the deregistration of a company as a builder is a very serious
step to take. It is taking away the licence for someone to continue running
their business. Obviously, that is a decision that is taken very carefully,
with consideration of the full scope of the law, to ensure it is done in a manner
that is not challengeable. I note, Madam Speaker, that Nicheliving has
indicated that it will appeal that decision and will also appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal. My government will be
opposing both those aspects. We understand that the deregistration of
any building company is a very serious step and it is one that we must move
through very carefully to make sure we adhere to procedure, including processes
of natural justice. We understand that we are undertaking a very important
decision. We oppose the appeal of this decision to the SAT because there are about
130 customers who need their homes built.
Mr R.S. Love : It is 230.
Mr R.H. COOK : It is 130
homes. We believe it is very important that those people get satisfaction as a matter
of urgency. The way that will occur is that they will be able to be assisted by
QBE, the home indemnity insurance broker, to make sure they can secure a new
builder who can complete their homes. I am very proud that as the Minister for
Commerce, I doubled the payouts that are available under home indemnity
insurance to ensure that people who are in this very situation receive justice.
Going to the heart of the point that
the member is making, that this process took some time to unfold—that
is true. It is true because the legislation under which this decision was made
and enforced is very complex and, by the very nature of it, has to be carefully
managed. We now have a decision to deregister Nicheliving and we now have a very
clear avenue that will assist in getting those homes built for those customers.
reason; that is, the deregistration of a company as a builder is a very serious
step to take. It is taking away the licence for someone to continue running
their business. Obviously, that is a decision that is taken very carefully,
with consideration of the full scope of the law, to ensure it is done in a manner
that is not challengeable. I note, Madam Speaker, that Nicheliving has
indicated that it will appeal that decision and will also appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal. My government will be
opposing both those aspects. We understand that the deregistration of
any building company is a very serious step and it is one that we must move
through very carefully to make sure we adhere to procedure, including processes
of natural justice. We understand that we are undertaking a very important
decision. We oppose the appeal of this decision to the SAT because there are about
130 customers who need their homes built.
Mr R.S. Love : It is 230.
Mr R.H. COOK : It is 130
homes. We believe it is very important that those people get satisfaction as a matter
of urgency. The way that will occur is that they will be able to be assisted by
QBE, the home indemnity insurance broker, to make sure they can secure a new
builder who can complete their homes. I am very proud that as the Minister for
Commerce, I doubled the payouts that are available under home indemnity
insurance to ensure that people who are in this very situation receive justice.
Going to the heart of the point that
the member is making, that this process took some time to unfold—that
is true. It is true because the legislation under which this decision was made
and enforced is very complex and, by the very nature of it, has to be carefully
managed. We now have a decision to deregister Nicheliving and we now have a very
clear avenue that will assist in getting those homes built for those customers.
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