Just months after residents were forced to leave their homes in the Opal Towers due to safety concerns, residents have been evacuated from another Sydney apartment because its structural integrity may not be sound. This follows years of serious building defects across the state that have left many owners with massive costs to fix problems like fire safety non-compliance or water ingress. Home warranty insurance was abolished for apartment buildings and statutory warranties have undergone a number of changes that make it harder for owners to get redress for faulty building work.

In Parliament, I asked questions about promised new safeguards for consumers buying apartments but the government says it is still working through details. I have repeatedly called for a special commission of inquiry into defects to audit problem buildings, supports owners and makes comprehensive recommendations for reform to protect owners and residents and restore confidence in apartment building safety.

My opinion piece: HERE and the minister’s response to my May questions: HERE