INDUSTRY BRIEFING: BUYER PROTECTION REFORM IMPLEMENTATION

INDUSTRY BRIEFING: BUYER PROTECTION REFORM IMPLEMENTATION

Date: Friday 29 May, 2026
Time: 1pm Start
Location: Live ONLINE
Cost: FREE

Victorian regulations reform update

Significant changes to Victoria’s building regulation framework are coming into effect from 1 July 2026. Join this important industry briefing on Friday 29 May, to understand what the reforms mean for the built environment sector.

This information session is open to all architects and building designers and is a joint briefing session delivered by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) for the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA), ArchiTeam, the Regional Architecture Association (RAA) and the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA).

BPC executive Todd Bentley will provide an overview of the Commission’s new powers and functions being introduced under the reforms, which have been designed to deliver stronger protections for homeowners, reduce costly and stressful disputes, and lift standards across the building and plumbing industries. These include:

• Rectification Orders post occupancy, giving the BPC the ability to act when defects are discovered after a homeowner has moved in – addressing incomplete, noncompliant or defective work for up to ten years after the occupancy permit is issued.

• Oversight of the new Home Warranty (First Resort) scheme, replacing DBI and providing greater protection for homeowners when builders are unwilling or unable to fix defective, non‑compliant or incomplete work.

• A new notification power for high-risk apartment buildings, enabling the BPC to prevent occupancy when serious defects that impact safe habitation are identified.

• The transfer of responsibility for the Domestic Building Contracts Act (DBCA) from Consumer Affairs Victoria to the BPC and a range of reforms to the DBCA.

• Oversight of the new Developer Bond Scheme, ensuring funds are available to rectify defects identified post occupation in apartment buildings four storeys and above.

The briefing will outline industry responsibilities and consumer pathways associated with the reforms, and help practitioners understand what to expect ahead of commencement. Time is included for attendee Q&A.

WHERE & WHEN

Live online.
1pm Friday 29 May 2026

*Recording availability to be confirmed.

MEET THE SPEAKER

Todd Bentley, Chief Strategy Officer, Joint Executive Lead – Regulatory Operations, BPC

Todd leads the Strategy and Assurance team and has been responsible for leading the establishment of the BPC. Todd’s role and function seeks to facilitate the understanding of the BPC’s strategic objectives, associated risks, and how to best leverage their resources to achieve positive outcomes for Victorian Consumers. Todd is Joint Executive Lead for the Regulatory Operations Officer (with John Sullivan). Todd’s areas include Compliance and Enforcement, as well as the Inspectorate.

Prior to joining the BPC, Todd was a senior executive and industry leader in the Australian rail industry in the areas of assurance, governance, safety, engineering, and systems design and thinking. He holds a PhD in Human Factors, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a Certified Professional Ergonomist.

ABOUT THE BPC

Formed on 1 July 2025, the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) brings together all domestic building functions into a single, consumer-focused regulator – combining the former Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) and the domestic building insurance function of the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA). This integrated approach aims to improve consumer outcomes through streamlined services, better information sharing and a clearer single-entry point for both industry and consumers.