The NSW Government has announced a funding injecting of $9.2 million across four years into initiatives aimed at increasing the number of building certifiers and speeding up the licensing of building tradespeople.
Minister for Building, Anoulack Chanthivong said the funding will boost the certifier workforce through reducing red tape and speeding up home building licence application approvals to help fill skills gaps in the building industry.
“Certifiers and tradespeople are the backbone of our construction sector, and with this investment we are shifting roadblocks standing in the way of getting more of these vital certifiers and trades on the tools, faster,” said Mr Chanthivong.
“With an average entry age of 49 and exit age of 55, there is a short practicing window for unrestricted certifiers, who are some of the most qualified and experienced professionals in the building industry.
“These reforms will help us attract new certifiers, whose numbers have remained static for years while also overcoming our retention barriers by making it easier to be a part-time certifier.
“The additional funds to boost the licensing team will also help the Building Commission NSW prioritise applications, so new trades can fill the skills gaps the construction sector is facing.”
There are around 1,300 building certifiers across different registration types in NSW working in both private industry and local government.
The Government has pledged $4.72 million across four years into measures to make it easier for existing certifiers to stay in, and new certifiers to enter, the industry, the Minister said.
Under the changes, new flexible certifier registration options will be introduced, providing pro-rata registration fees for part-time certifiers, and a pause on registration fees for those on extended leave to ensure fees do not disincentivise them from practicing part-time or returning to the profession.
Building Commission NSW will also increase its capacity to process new certifier applications and renewals to facilitate faster entry into the sector.
A free continuing professional development course to support certifiers returning to work after a career break will also encourage those who have been away from the industry to get back into the profession.
“Building certifiers play a critical role in checking the compliance of proposed developments with planning, building and other legislative requirements,” said NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard.
“While we need certifiers to enter or return to the industry to meet housing targets, Building Commission NSW will not let speed get in way of quality, safety, and compliance.”
Additionally, ‘Inspecting Up’ provisions, which allow restricted building surveyors to conduct critical stage inspections under supervision, will be supported to boost capacity in the industry.
“This funding boost will go a long way to ensure we attract the additional certifiers needed to complete the houses we need to build, and to boost consumer confidence,” said Association of Australian Certifiers CEO, Jill Brookfield.
“This package provides the right incentives to retain the hardworking independent certifiers we currently have in the industry, by supporting upskilling, embracing work life balance and flexibility, and professional development.
We have been working closely with the Minister on the reforms to building certifier registration and practice and welcome the funding as part of the move to more and better quality homes being delivered.”
Building Commission NSW assessed almost 24,000 new home building related licencing applications in the 2024-25 financial year.
