Discussion paper: Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors

Closed 24 Apr 2020

Opened 13 Mar 2020

Contact

ABCB

ncc@abcb.gov.au

Feedback updated 14 Dec 2021

We asked

In March 2020, the Building Confidence Report (BCR) Implementation Team released a discussion paper asking for feedback on a draft model Code of conduct for building surveyors.

You said

The Team received 44 responses to the discussion paper, which indicated you supported a national code of conduct for building surveyors. However, you suggested some changes, asked for clarifications and suggested additional obligations.

We did

The BCR Implementation Team used your feedback to finalise a model Code of conduct for building surveyors. The model code has been endorsed by Building Ministers for state and territory consideration and implementation. 

Results updated 3 Dec 2020

At their November 2020 meeting, Building Ministers agreed to release the National Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors. The Code has been developed by the Building Confidence Report (BCR) Implementation Team in response to Recommendation 10 of the BCR. It is intended to be used by, or inform, State and Territory building administrations in the development and review of Codes of Conduct that apply to building surveyors who perform statutory functions.

The Model Code provides a consistent basis for education, audit and compliance activities undertaken by regulators. It is designed to assist building surveyors meet their statutory obligations and manage the expectations of others.

It is important to know that the Model Code does not have any force unless it is adopted by jurisdictions. It is recommended that you contact your state or territory building administration for information on how standards of conduct are applied in your state or territory.

You can read the communique from the Building Ministers’ Meeting on the Department of Industry’s website.

The Code can be downloaded from the ABCB's Resource Library.

Files:

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

Recommendation 10 of the Building Confidence Report (BCR) by Peter Shergold and Bronwyn Weir recommended the establishment of a nationally consistent code of conduct for Building Surveyors.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has agreed to the release of a draft Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors (draft model code of conduct). This draft model code of conduct is supported by a draft explanatory statement and draft compliance policy, which set out how the draft model code of conduct could be interpreted and enforced. All these documents are provided as attachments in the Discussion Paper on a Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors.

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The discussion paper explains how the draft model code of conduct was developed and asks questions to help identify how it can be improved. The feedback provided will help the BCR Implementation Team refine and improve the model code of conduct.

Please note: the discussion paper and its attachments have been drafted by the BCR Implementation Team and may not necessarily represent the views of the ABCB.

The BCR Implementation Team

The discussion paper was developed by the BCR Implementation Team in the office of the ABCB. The team was established by the Building Ministers' Forum (BMF) in July 2019 to help deliver a national framework for the implementation of the BCR.

Why your views matter

The ABCB agreed in November 2019 that the BCR Implementation Team would develop a Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors to help implement recommendation 10 of the BCR, which was "that each jurisdiction put in place a code of conduct for building surveyors which addresses the key matters which, if contravened, would be grounds for a disciplinary inquiry."

The BCR Implementation Team developed the draft model code of conduct in consultation with selected stakeholders in early 2020. In March 2020 the ABCB agreed to release the discussion paper for public comment.

Providing comment

Stakeholders should note that there are a small number of mandatory questions. These must be answered to complete your submission. This is to ensure responses are appropriately categorised. The majority of questions are not mandatory, and can be skipped if you wish. You may provide as much or as little information as required. 

Responses to questions (preview) on the discussion paper are invited until 11:59PM AEST Friday 24 April 2020. Only comments submitted using the online form will be considered.

What happens next

The BCR Implementation Team will consider the responses received from stakeholders on the model code of conduct.

These responses will be used to review, refine and improve the model code of conduct. Once it is finalised, it will be presented to the Board of the ABCB for its consideration. Subject to the Board's agreement, the finalised Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors will be provided to the BMF for its endorsement.

If you have any questions about the current status of the model code of conduct, please contact the BCR Implementation Team.

Audiences

  • Building: Commercial and Residential
  • Building Certification/ Surveying
  • Community and Non-Government Organisations
  • Government
  • General Public
  • ABCB Board
  • ABCB Office
  • Building Administrations

Interests

  • NCC Performance Requirements
  • Building services