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Double standards in building insurance crisis: IngramIndependent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, says the State Government is still not addressing the full crisis facing Victoria’s builders. By Craig Ingram - 26th May 2003 - Back to News "The government has moved amendments to the Domestic Building Act so that builders constructing public housing on its behalf are exempt from the problems that are preventing other builders around the state from earning a living," Mr Ingram said today.
"This action highlights the fact that government recognises the insurance system has failed.
"The government has implemented changes to address the impact of public liability and medical and professional indemnity insurance, now it’s time to address the crippling regulatory and legislative restrictions that are causing some of our best builders from being unable to conduct their business.
"This action of exempting government building contracts acknowledges that builders who should be able to secure insurance cannot get adequate cover.
"These builders are a good enough risk for the state to underwrite any losses on their own sites, but many others across the state cannot access cover for the construction of private houses or commercial developments.
"Our state and region is losing millions of dollars in building activity.
"Building industry representatives sit silent and are compromised because they are the agents for the major insurance companies.
"It’s time the government addressed this disaster and found solutions.
"The Queensland government has a system that works and NSW is investigating implementing a similar system.
"My office has been working hard to find solutions for the builders of this state and their businesses that have been all but destroyed by the lack of affordable insurance.
"It’s time for the government to implement necessary changes before any more good builders and businesses are forced to exit the industry," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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