Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:48): (1588) My constituency question is to the Premier, and I ask: when will the Premier reveal how many builders and former builders the state government has sent letters of demand to for cladding rectification because of retrospective legislation? A retired builder in my community received a letter of demand from the state government in late 2025 in relation to cladding rectification for work he completed 10 years ago. The letter demanded nearly $1 million. As a retired builder, he no longer has insurance. The demand came with no prior notice and was issued just before Christmas. For background, retrospective legislation in the last parliamentary term, which set out new standards, has required the recladding work. Despite raising the case with multiple ministers, none will respond. In consultation with various peak bodies, I have been advised that at least 100 other builders have received such letters. In many of those cases the builders have insurance and the state government is seeking reimbursement through insurers. Premier, how is it right to threaten to bankrupt a retired builder for work he did a decade ago?