Master Electricians Australia has called on all states and territories to implement uniform product safety laws for the building industry.

The call follows multiple examples of dangerous cladding and electrical cables being used in major buildings across Australia, and the recent passage of the Building and Construction Legislation (Non-Conforming Products-Chain of Responsibility) Amendment Bill in Queensland.

“Time and again we see building safety being compromised in the race to the bottom by importers of products for the construction industry,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“This is an unacceptable risk to the safety of every Australian.”

The new Queensland laws mean that every person or organisation in the supply chain is responsible for the safety of the products installed on building sites, rather than just the licenced tradesperson doing the installation.

They also give the Queensland building watchdog greater powers to enter building sites, and allow the State Government to recall non-confirming products more easily.

Mr O’Dwyer called for a standard set of laws to be rolled out nationally across all jurisdictions, and said the recent Queensland legislation was the ideal starting point.

“It’s critically important that we have the same strong laws across each state and territory, or we run the risk that cheap and dangerous product will be diverted to those states perceived to be lacking in legal muscle.

“Master Electricians has been the leading voice within the building and construction industry when it comes to calling for governments to improve safety standards and to clamp down on dodgy imported products.

“We call on all Governments to ensure they are doing enough – both in terms of legislation and resourcing – to keep their citizens safe from the harm caused by dodgy electrical or building products.”

Jason O’Dwyer is available for interview. Please phone The SAS Group on 07 3221 9222.