Hundreds of building practitioners gathered in Melbourne to hear from industry experts and innovators at the Victorian Building Authority’s (VBA) annual Building Surveyors Conference.

Now in its fifth year, the event saw more than 700 attend the first conference held in person following the pandemic. VBA chief executive officer Anna Cronin says the success of the event showed a strong desire for practitioners to learn, share knowledge and discuss ways to improve their industry.

“It was great to see so many at this year’s conference because having discussions and asking questions is critical as we navigate the complex landscape of our rapidly evolving sector,” she says.

“We must be at the forefront of emerging trends while maintaining high standards of compliance and keeping pace with this fast-moving industry. As co-regulators, we must work collaboratively to encourage higher standards in our built environment to benefit all Victorians.”

Among the 16 speakers and panellists at the two-day event were Futurist Steve Sammartino, Professor Rebecca Bentley, Dr Nicole Johnston, Dr Tim Law and Cladding Safety Victoria chief executive officer Dan O’Brien, who presented and highlighted key industry topics including the future of building and how we can improve building health.

Other key topics presented at the conference were some key findings from the inspection and document audit programs as well as how co-regulators can work together for better outcomes.

“As the third line of defence of Victoria’s regulatory system, the VBA will continue to work with private and municipal surveyors to monitor compliance and hold those who do the wrong thing to account,” State building surveyor Andrew Cialini says.

“A key tool in ensuring compliance is education, and our Practitioner Education Series continues to develop and has supported industry by focusing on areas of concern and providing practical insights, evidence-based strategies and useful resources.”

Anna says VBA has been working toward a new Regulatory Policy Statement that clearly outlines its aims and approaches to regulating Victoria’s building and plumbing industries to ensure the VBA remains a proactive, responsive, effective and credible regulator.