The recent announcements by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) regarding changes to registration for Domestic Building Managers (DBMs) has resulted in Master Builders Victoria working hard behind the scenes on behalf of our members to find a solution, with builders' scope of work on projects underway or pending being significantly compromised, without warning, looking likely.  

Working on behalf of our members, our aim was to ensure that practitioners registered in the class of DBM could continue to sign contracts and gain building permits, so long as the work could be completed by 30 June 2022.

We’re pleased to confirm that, because of Master Builders Victoria’s advocacy, the VBA has announced this update today, meaning members will have until 30 June 2022 to change their registration, subject to any further legislative changes. The registration restrictions will not come into effect immediately, as was previously feared. 

Our primary concern has been the significant impact of the changes on our DBM members who had a variety of projects already underway and were concerned that the potential changes would affect their business, clients and family. 2020 has been a challenging year and this issue has been a key priority for us to address as we continue to put our members first, all the time, every time.

Over the last seven days, our Legal, Technical, Builder Registration and Policy teams worked seamlessly and tirelessly with the VBA to deliver an appropriate outcome for DBMs on this matter.

During this time, Master Builders Victoria highlighted to the VBA and the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) that the situation of builders being locked out of working, without warning, is at odds with everything the Victorian Government has been doing to ensure building and construction leads the economy’s recovery.

We support the actions that the VBA have taken today to ensure that DBMs can continue to sign contracts and gain building permits. The advice provided in the VBA Advisory Note – Domestic Builder Manager - confirms that DBMs can continue to enter into Building Contracts and be named as the builder on building permits for works that will be completed prior to their registration ceasing as of 30 June 2022.

The full VBA Update on this matter can be read here.

It is important to note that, while much of Master Builders Victoria’s advocacy work may not be visible, this DBM outcome is a clear demonstration of our voice being listened to.  Nevertheless, there is a difference between being heard and being listened to. And in trying to find another way for our members, our voice was listened to by the VBA and Government.

We look forward to continuing to work with government bodies such as the VBA, DELWP and the VMIA to lead a future ready industry that builds a better world.
 
What to do now? Don’t delay – start the transition process today!
Master Builders Victoria encourages DBM members to start the transition process of applying for an alternative registration category suitable for the structure of your business, this may be as a Domestic Builder Unlimited or Domestic Builder Limited.

We recommend you start this process immediately, and well in advance of the 30 June 2022 deadline. Master Builders Victoria’s registration team can assist you with your application and have tailored programs to assist you throughout process.

Please reach out to the registration team when you are ready to start the transition process and we will help you.
For further assistance, please contact us on 03 9411 4555 or email [email protected]