Your union, the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA), and local Delegate Matthew Wunsch recently met with the Building Commissioner, members of the Senior Leadership team and Industrial Relations for the Building Commission (BCNSW) Consultative Sub-Committee of the Peak Joint Consultative Committee.

The following matters were discussed:

Plumbing Inspectors

Qualifications The PSA raised member concerns regarding qualifications for Plumbing Inspectors in recent role advertisements. Specifically, the qualification of at least having a certificate three or a full plumbing licence is not stipulated in the advertisement. It has been raised at a local level without adequate response by local management. The Building Commissioner stated that it is the business’s understanding inspectors have the relevant experience and qualifications for their role. Management will come back on this.

Inspection Area The PSA advised there is a concern that inspectorate staff, particularly in gas and medical gas areas, are being asked to perform investigative tasks beyond their traditional role of conducting scheduled inspections and identifying non-compliances. This shift raises issues around time constraints, lack of investigative experience, and potential legislative limitations. We highlighted the need for clarity and possibly training to support inspectors if investigative responsibilities are to be expanded.

The Building Commissioner acknowledged the issue and agreed Inspectors should not be expected to operate outside their legislated authority. He proposed clarifying the role boundaries between inspectors and investigators and exploring training or cross-skilling opportunities within the Building Commission. The goal is to ensure a clear demarcation of responsibilities while maintaining effective service delivery and compliance outcomes.

Building Commission

Sensory overload Members are concerned about quiet areas in McKell Building due to sensory overload. The matter will be taken to an offline meeting and Workplace Services will be in attendance.

Special Projects Directorate The PSA asked for clarification about a Directorate within the Building Commission, including its purpose, staffing, and whether it is a temporary or ongoing structure. The Building Commissioner clarified that it is not really a Directorate but more of a one-role ‘team’.

The role is not new, as it has existed since the Commission’s establishment but was previously filled by a staff member seconded to Planning. That person has now moved permanently to Planning, and the role is currently filled. It was noted that it’s not intended to change the role’s level, make it temporary, or transfer staff in or out.

The Building Commissioner explained that role’s current focus is reviewing quasi-legal documentation such as rectification orders that have previously caused confusion or failed in prosecution due to inconsistencies or poor alignment with legislation. The role involves liaising with prosecutors and other units to improve the quality and legal robustness of these documents. While there are no immediate plans to expand the team, future government tasking could lead to growth. Interaction with other teams is expected, particularly when access to technical details or documentation is needed to support the review of work.

General business

Management advised the People Matter Employee Survey survey has closed, and an update will be presented at the next Consultative Sub-Committee meeting. A review of psychosocial health is underway. Further information will be shared as this progresses.

We will advise members when further meetings are due to occur next year and encourage you to speak with your delegate about matters that can be raised there.  Please note that consultative committee meetings are for collective matters only.  Individual concerns should still be logged with Member Support at or on 1800 772 679.