The Minister for Planning is responsible for the following boards and advisory committees established under the Building Act 1993 and the Architects Act 1991.

Each has a defined role, functions and criteria for membership, which are set out in the relevant establishing legislation.

More information, including current membership, can be found the on the Public Board Appointments Victoria website.

Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV)

The Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) is responsible for determining the qualifications and experience required for registration as an architect and accrediting architectural courses in conjunction with schools of architecture.

It is also responsible for administering a registration system for architects, architectural partnerships and companies. The ARBV regulates the professional conduct of architects, approved partnerships and approved companies and investigates complaints about the professional conduct of architects and offences under the Architects Act.

The ARBV consists of members who are nominated by the Minister for Planning, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming & Liquor Regulation, registered architects and key stakeholders in the building industry.

For more information about the ARBV, visit arbv.vic.gov.au.

Victorian Building Authority (VBA) Board

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is the principal regulator for building and plumbing in Victoria. The VBA is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018 and Plumbing Regulations 2018. This includes:

  • Administering the scheme for the registration of building practitioners and supervising and monitoring the conduct of registered building practitioners.
  • Administering the scheme for the licensing and registration of plumbers.
  • Supporting the resolution of consumer complaints about work carried out by builders and plumbers.

The VBA Board is responsible for the governance and strategic management of the VBA to ensure its effectiveness as a regulator. The VBA Board comprises 8 Commissioners.

For more information about the VBA visit vba.vic.gov.au

Building Appeals Board (BAB)

The Building Appeal Board (BAB) hears appeals and disputes in relation to building control matters and can waive, modify or vary the application of particular building regulations or the Building Code of Australia based upon particular circumstances.

Matters the BAB is empowered to consider and determine include:

  • Appeals in relation to building and occupancy permits.
  • Disputes about matters relating to inspections, emergency protection work, insurance, surveys, the building permit levy, disputes between property owners and adjoining owners, the application and effect of building regulations and the construction of party walls.
  • Applications for compensation regarding the conduct of protection work.
  • Modifications to the application of the building regulations.
  • Whether a particular design or element of a building complies with the Building Act and/or the building regulations.

The BAB consists of members who are nominated by the Minister for Planning and have a specialist knowledge within the building industry.

The BAB generally operates in panels (usually three or more members) to consider specific matters brought before it.

For more information about the BAB visit buildingappeals.vic.gov.au.

Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC)

The Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) is responsible for advising the Minister for Planning on matters including draft regulations prepared under the Building Act, and in particular the extent to which the proposed regulations promote the objectives of the Act, are cost effective and necessary. The BRAC is also responsible for accrediting building products, construction methods or designs, components or systems connected with building work for the purpose of the Act and the building regulations.

The BRAC consists of members who are nominated by the Minister for Planning, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Emergency Services and key stakeholders in the building industry.

For more information about the BRAC, visit vba.vic.gov.au.

Building Advisory Council (BAC)

The Building Advisory Council (BAC) is responsible for advising the Minister for Planning on the administration of the Building Act and the building regulations, the impact on the building regulations system of regulations made under any other Act, and any issues relating to the building permit levy.

The BAC consists of members who are nominated by the Minister for Planning and key stakeholders in the building industry.

Plumbing Advisory Council (PAC)

The Plumbing Advisory Council (PAC) is responsible for advising both the Minister for Planning and the Victorian Building Authority in relation to Part 12A (Plumbing Work) of the Building Act, the plumbing regulations and the plumbing industry.

The PAC consists of members who are nominated by the Minister for Planning, the Minister for Water, the Minister for Energy & Resources, the Minister for Higher Education & Skills and key stakeholders in the plumbing industry.

Page last updated: 07/07/21