Presented by VMBSG’s Platinum Alliance Partner, Russell Kennedy.
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 11.00am to 12.30pm
Format: Online
Presenter: Elizabeth Flanagan and Daniel Silfo, Russell Kennedy
VMBSG is pleased to present this online professional development session, delivered by Daniel Silfo and Elizabeth Flanagan of Russell Kennedy.
When an urgent building safety issue arises, particularly after hours or during the holiday period, Municipal Building Surveyors need to know what powers are available, when they can be exercised and what steps must be followed.
This practical session, presented by Russell Kennedy, will explore the use of emergency powers under the Building Act 1993 (Vic), including responding to dangerous or damaged buildings, determining when emergency action is warranted, issuing emergency orders, managing immediate risks and ensuring decisions are properly documented.
The session will also examine some of the practical challenges that can arise, such as gaining access to properties, dealing with uncooperative owners, working alongside emergency services and understanding roles, responsibilities and decision-making authority, particularly when the Municipal Building Surveyor is unavailable.
With the Christmas and New Year period approaching, and the potential for increased emergency call-outs and reduced council staffing, this is a timely opportunity to revisit the legal requirements, processes and common pitfalls associated with exercising emergency powers.
The aim is to provide members with a practical refresher on their powers and responsibilities, supported by real-world examples and scenarios, so they are better prepared when that unexpected call comes in.
This session is particularly relevant to local government professionals involved in building regulation, enforcement and emergency response, including:
Municipal Building Surveyors
Deputy Municipal Building Surveyors
Building Surveyors
Building Inspectors
Building Enforcement Officers
Authorised Officers
Building Services Managers and Coordinators
Other council officers involved in responding to dangerous buildings and urgent building safety matters
This session will be particularly valuable for officers who may be required to respond to emergency building incidents over the Christmas and New Year period, including those providing after-hours or on-call services.
By the end of this session, participants will have a better understanding of:
Emergency powers under the Building Act 1993 (Vic) and the circumstances in which they may be exercised.
Identifying and responding to immediate risks associated with dangerous, damaged or unsafe buildings.
Emergency orders and enforcement processes, including legislative requirements, appropriate procedures and documentation.
Roles, responsibilities and decision-making authority, particularly when the Municipal Building Surveyor is unavailable or urgent action is required outside normal business hours.
Working with emergency services and other authorities when responding to fires, structural damage and other building emergencies.
Managing practical challenges, including access to properties, uncooperative owners and situations requiring immediate action.
Common legal and procedural pitfalls and how to minimise risks when exercising emergency powers.
Elizabeth Flanagan is a Principal at Russell Kennedy and works predominantly with local government clients. She advises on the Building Act and Building Regulations, building prosecutions and enforcement in the Magistrates’ Court, and Building Appeals Board proceedings. Elizabeth also has experience in prosecution, enforcement and compliance matters across the Building Act, Planning and Environment Act, Public Health and Wellbeing Act, Domestic Animals Act and local laws.
Daniel has over a decade of experience in providing legal services to Local Government. Daniel has acted for over 50 municipalities, both suburban and rural and specialises in all matters to do with Local Government prosecutions and enforcement. Daniel has extensive experience in conducting prosecutions throughout Victoria and has obtained great results for clients for breaches in relation to building, planning and environment, public health, food, parking, domestic animals and local laws. Daniel also provides advice and training to Local Government on these areas.
$170 Member VMBSG | $505 Council Group (3+ VMBSG Members) | $340 Non-member VMBSG | AIBS Members save 10% on Non-member rate (fees inc. GST)
The link to attend this session shall be emailed to the email address you have used to purchase your ticket prior to the session. If you are purchasing a ticket on behalf of a team member, please be sure to use their email address not your own.
