Four Victorian building surveyors were penalised a total of more than $30,000 for issuing permits for building work that would not comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) found that as well as other offences, the surveyors contravened section 24 (1)(a) of the Building Act 1993.

The practitioners issued building permits despite not being satisfied that the building work at the construction sites was to the correct standard.

VBA director of compliance and enforcement David Brockman says while most building surveyors did the right thing, rule breakers damaged the reputation of the industry and put Victorians at risk.

“It is the responsibility of building surveyors to ensure that permits are not issued unless work meets all building safety standards,” David says.

“We found that in these instances this has not occurred, and the VBA has taken action to impose penalties accordingly.”

In many instances, permits were issued where work on external walls did not meet the required Fire Resistance Level.

The practitioners were penalised a total of $34,696.20, with one also being subject to a period of suspension.

In January 2021, the VBA released its first Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors, which will improve safety and oversight in the building industry and help keep Victorians safe.

The Code of Conduct makes it clear that building surveyors must act within the public interest, comply with the law and act with integrity.

Building surveyors looking for useful information can access the VBA’s online resources.

Consumers looking to engage practitioners should check if they are on the VBA’s disciplinary register.