XN000022-1972-11-01 — Page 27

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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