A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: MICHAEL PETTERSSON MLA WELCOMES ESTABLISHMENT OF PROPERTY DEVELOPER LICENSING SCHEME IN THE ACT

I am pleased that today, following the strong advocacy of ACT Labor members and the community over many years, the Property Developers Bill 2023 passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly. The Bill establishes an Australia-first property developer licensing scheme here in the ACT.

Too many Canberrans have had their hopes and dreams dashed by dodgy property developers. Whether it’s at the beginning of a project, in the middle of construction, or after completion, these cowboys have ripped off Canberrans without consequence.

Throughout this term of government, I have advocated fiercely to ensure that property developer licensing was legislated. In November 2022, I stated my intentions to introduce a private members’ bill to establish property developer licensing if the Minister was not going to legislate before the end of the parliamentary term. Following my motion in May 2023, which committed the Minister to introduce the Bill by the end of 2023, today we have been able to finally vote for this long overdue reform.

It should go without saying that the ACT Government should do everything in its power to stop shonky property developers from selling Canberrans lemons. The establishment of property developer licensing today is a step in the right direction to renew consumer confidence in property development.