Feb 2017
The review of Institute policies is continuing, as we work through the list that needs updating. We will continue to consult with members to identify the most important issues and the best strategy to communicate our messages to governments and the public. New policies can be developed at the instigation of the chapters, national committees and National Council and will go through a similar review process.
Since our last update, we have also advocated at a state and territory level on a number of issues:
Planning policy
The Western Australian Chapter has provided a submission responding to the release last year of Design WA’s draft planning policy. The WA Chapter is generally supportive of the document, particularly its inclusion of design in planning policy. The Chapter has responded favourably to proposed apartment minimum standards, although it has recommended clarification of some items, in particular, setbacks, apartment sizes and balcony requirements. The Chapter also supports the inclusion of a Design Review Guide, with some recommendations on the makeup of design review panels to ensure reasonable debate and consistency across the design review process. The government’s design skills discussion paper also looks at improving outcomes through the regulation of design skills. The WA Chapter is strongly in favour of the mandatory use of architects on multi-residential developments above a certain height threshold, ideally three storeys, similar to the NSW Sepp 65 model.
Building documentation
The Tasmanian Practice Committee is continuing to work with the state’s Department of Justice to determine the minimum level of information which should be provided on building approval documents for Class 2 to Class 9 buildings. The Department has the Director’s Specified List – Schedule 1, which outlines the minimum requirements for design documentation for Class 1 and Class 10 building in Tasmania, and is considering expanding this approach to include Class 2 to Class 9 buildings. Members of the Tasmanian Chapter’s Practice Committee have held discussions with the Director of Building Control and are providing a formal submission on the matter. They are offering general support for the document as a guide, with some suggested clarification and amendments. The committee members are also arguing against the document being used as a checklist for use by building certifiers.
Government relations
The Tasmanian Chapter President, Brad Wheeler and Andrew Grimsdale from the Practice Committee, met recently with the state’s Construction Minister Guy Barnett, to discuss a number of issues relating to the profession. The meeting covered such issues as regulatory requirements, the state of the industry and national issues requiring a more Tasmanian-focussed approach, including access provisions for residential buildings. The meeting was a productive and positive step forward in the Tasmanian Chapter’s strategic approach of encouraging dialogue and relationship building with governments and government departments. The Chapter is working to build on this as 2017 continues, to ensure we have a direct line to government and our collective voice continues to be heard.