27
Wednesday, November 1, 1972
STIFFER PENALTIES UNDER AMENDED BUILDINGS LEGISLATION
The Building Authority can, under an amending bill, order remedial
works to be carried out to remove dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions
in building works.
In moving the second reading of the Buildings (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill,
the Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, said that failure to comply
with such an order would give the Authority power to do the work and to recover
the costs from the person on whom the order had been served.
Mr. Robson said, the maximum penalty imposed so far had been of little
"deterrent value in disciplining errant contractors".
The bill will substitute for the present fine of $2,000 and imprison-
ment for six months a "realistic" fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years,
upon conviction of those offences which are considered grave.
These offences include the incorporation of defective materials in
building works, the divergence from approved plans, and failure to notify
contravention of regulations.
In addition, Mr. Robson said, any person who failed to comply with
an order for remedial works might face "a continuing penalty of $10,000 per
day."
A provision of the bill will restore the position whereby the Building
Authority has to deal with applications for occupation or temporary occupation
permits within 14 days of receipt.
The 14-day time