Wednesday, 2 April 2025

 Will FOWLES (Ringwood) (14:55): (1086) My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Consumer Affairs. What protections and remedies are available for existing apartment owners who have discovered serious defects or undisclosed issues shortly after purchasing their properties? Over the past 12 months several constituents in my electorate of Ringwood have contacted me with concerning reports of poor building practices and significant defects in the properties they have purchased. These issues include structural faults, water damage and substandard workmanship, and they were not disclosed before purchase. Many of these residents have struggled to find an appropriate avenue for redress and as a result are left powerless and financially burdened by the cost of repairs. They are costs they should not have to bear. While the new Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Bill 2025 is a step forward, the government must ensure that residents already suffering because of building defects receive the protection and the support they urgently need, and I look forward to the minister’s response.