ACT government needs to crack down on unfair building industry

It is time for the ACT government and those involved in the industry to make building quality and consumer rights a higher priority.

It is clear that more and more Canberrans are unsatisfied with the work that builders, tradespeople and planners do as complaints continue to rise.

Home buyers and owners who purchase in good faith do not deserve to be left on their own when falling victim to poor quality work.

Data from Access Canberra shows there has already been a 40 per cent increase in the number of complaints regarding building and planning problems this financial year compared to 2016/17.

There are still three months of the current financial year remaining so there is a good chance the number will soar much higher.

Since July 2017 there have been 728 complaints made regarding concerns with the most common areas unapproved structures, the compliance and quality of building work, and incomplete work.

The Canberra Times launches a campaign on Sunday to shine light on the problems apparently rife in the sector and the huge cost they have on the individuals involved.

We want better regulation of the industry and improved rights for those engaging the services of builders and tradespeople.

We want rules to stop phoenixing from happening in the territory and increased punishments for those breaking the law.

The story of Gordon homeowner Suzi Maginnity is a prime example of building horrors that can have a lasting impact.

She has been calling for action for four years after excavation work on a neighbouring block caused a landslide, and continual slippage of her property in the years after.

Ms Maginnity is $30,000 out of pocket and now finally the government is stepping in to find a resolution.

You don't have to ask too many people in Canberra before you find similar tales of woe about builders half finishing work and disappearing, lying about being licensed, or not completing work to an acceptable standard.

Of course it is unfair to tarnish an entire industry and the majority are likely doing the right thing and completing professional work. Disputes can and will arise between two parties agreeing on a contract of service - this is not unique to building work.

But when the family home is often the largest investment people make in their lifetime people deserve to be better protected against those doing the wrong thing.

And those doing the wrong thing should be held accountable for their actions and prevented from continuing to inflict more damage on further future clients.

It is clear that Canberra's planning and building industry needs some major work. Now is the time to get started on it.