Changes to the Building Act and Regulations commence on 1 September 2026, including new requirements for relevant building surveyors to provide inspection records to councils within seven days. The Council Support team has prepared an information sheet outlining the changes and potential impacts.

BPC has advised councils of the deregistration of former building inspector Phillip Brett Commandeur, who conducted approximately 1,300 pool barrier inspections. Councils are encouraged to check their registers and consider whether further review or auditing may be required.

A report identified a high risk to life, but the risk remained unowned, un-escalated and unmanaged. Matt Jones examines the confronting findings of the Mauao landslide review and what they should mean for councils and other organisations responsible for public safety.

VMBSG has launched the John Anagianis Award for Rising Excellence in Municipal Building Surveying, a new annual award recognising emerging professionals who demonstrate integrity, leadership potential, commitment to others and a positive contribution to the profession.

AI is already changing the way we work. Join VMBSG and Maddocks for a practical online session exploring how Municipal Building Surveyors and council building teams can use AI responsibly, respond to AI-generated material from others and manage the important governance, privacy and accountability issues that come with it.

VMBSG’s recent Building Act Compliance and Enforcement Training was practical, engaging and very well received. Hosted by the City of Melbourne, the session brought together attendees from councils and agencies across Victoria, with more host councils now invited to help bring the training to their region.

Fire Rescue Victoria has provided an update regarding Operation Phoenix, increasing inspection activity involving convenience stores and tobacco shops, and the potential for councils to receive section 227E reports as this work expands across regional Victoria.