On Thursday, 31 July 2025 during estimates hearings, I asked the Director General of the Department of Housing and Public Works about the status of the proposed licensing regime for developers.
You can read my question and the Director General's response in full below or in the official Parliamentary record of proceedings (Hansard) here.
Mr BERKMAN: I have a question which I think is best directed to the director-general. It is now over two years since the independent Developer Review Panel delivered its report recommending an accreditation, disclosure and registration scheme for developers, as well as other steps forward. It has been reported, I understand, that the LNP will not proceed with a developer licensing scheme as was recommended. My question is: when was that decision to reject the recommendation for developer licensing made and who made the decision?
Dr ROWAN: Can I raise a point of order?
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, you may raise a point of order.
Dr ROWAN: I want to clarify whether this is again within this portfolio remit. Also, I would submit to you that there is a lengthy preamble to the question as asked.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I will get some advice about that. Member for Maiwar, that was a slightly lengthy preamble and also there is an assertion in there around intent by the government, but I will get the director-general to answer the question as best he can, bearing that in mind.
Mr Cridland: The decision to not proceed was made by the government as it is a matter of policy. I will find out for you the exact date that that announcement was made. I do not recall it offhand. I will find that out.
Mr BERKMAN: I appreciate that. If I could ask a follow-up question?
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: If it is a matter of policy, it is directed to the minister.
Mr BERKMAN: Certainly. One quick follow-up question to the director-general: can you advise what is the status of other important recommendations from that review, like recommendation 3 on clearer liability on developers for using combustible cladding and recommendation 4, clarifying that there is fairness in contracting rules for developers? Any additional updates around those recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Mr Cridland: I am going to ask our assistant director-general of building policy to come forward and provide an update to the member on that.
Ms Barron: Could I ask the honourable member to repeat the question, please?
Mr BERKMAN: Perhaps I could simplify it a little. I am interested in whether the government has progressed its consideration of other recommendations coming from the Developer Review Panel—for example, recommendation 3 around clearer liability on developers for using combustible cladding and recommendation 4, clarifying that fairness in contracting rules apply to developers, or any other recommendations that are being progressed from that review.
Ms Barron: Thank you for clarifying the question. In terms of the recommendations that form part of the panel’s statement, the former government tabled the independent Developer Review Panel’s report in parliament in June 2023. This government is committed to ensuring Queensland’s construction sector is well functioning and able to deliver the homes and infrastructure Queensland needs. There are a number of matters which, as you flagged, were raised in that report. Some funding was provided to Queensland Treasury last financial year in relation to looking at rectification of cladding. My team remains engaged in undertaking work in relation to unfair contract terms, which was raised by the panel as well as in a number of other forums. I would also note, of course, that the government has reestablished the independent Productivity Commission and it has just released its interim report. There is a period of consultation now as well, so there is active consideration of the regulatory settings as they relate to the building and construction industry.