Swimming Pool Regulations and Compliance Update

A VMBSG online training session, presented by Russell Kennedy.

This workshop will provide a comprehensive update on swimming pool and spa barrier regulations and related compliance obligations under the Building Act 1993 (Vic) and the Building Regulations 2018 (Vic).

The session will focus on the practical application of the regulatory framework, including common compliance issues, enforcement options and strategies, and key learnings arising from recent matters. It will also consider the role of municipal building surveyors and inspectors in identifying non-compliance, managing risk, and taking appropriate enforcement action where required.

Swimming pool and spa barrier compliance continues to be an important area of responsibility for councils, particularly given the significant safety risks associated with non-compliant barriers. For building surveyors and inspectors, understanding the legislative requirements, available enforcement tools and practical considerations is essential to ensuring compliance processes are effective, consistent and defensible.

Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of:

• current swimming pool and spa barrier compliance obligations under the relevant legislation;
• common areas of non-compliance and the practical issues that can arise during inspections and enforcement;
• the enforcement options available to municipal building surveyors and councils;
• how to approach compliance matters in a structured, risk-based and legally sound way;
• practical learnings that can be applied when dealing with difficult or complex swimming pool and spa barrier matters; and
• the importance of clear documentation, decision-making and follow-through in compliance and enforcement processes.

About the presenters

Elizabeth Flanagan, Principal, Russell Kennedy

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 Silfo, Principal, Russell Kennedy

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.

Registration fees

$170 Member VMBSG  |  $505 Council Group (3+ VMBSG Members)  |  $340 Non-member VMBSG  |  AIBS Members save 10% on Non-member rate (fees inc. GST)

Link to attend

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.

Notes:

• Recording and presentation slides will be sent to all registered. Only those who attend the session will receive a Statement of Attendance.
• CPD Points for AIBS accreditation: 1.5 points under Module 2.
• Council group bookings: Councils may register at a discounted rate when nominating three or more team members. However, each attendee must be a current VMBSG member. Team members who are not current members will be charged the non-member rate. Council will be contacted for names of delegates.