As of 1 July 2025, the newly established Building Practitioners Board (BPC) has officially taken over key regulatory functions from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). This marks a major reform in the way Victoria’s building and construction industry is regulated.

What Has Changed?

The BPC is now responsible for overseeing building practitioner registration, compliance, and disciplinary actions across the state. These functions were previously handled by the VBA.

The aim of the change is to bring greater independence and transparency to the regulatory process. The BPC now manages:

• Practitioner registration and renewals

• Conduct investigations and disciplinary outcomes

• Enforcement of professional standards

• Oversight of qualifications and ongoing competency

Why the Change?

The establishment of the BPC responds to long-standing concerns about the need for clearer separation between regulatory oversight and government operations. By creating a dedicated statutory authority, the Victorian Government intends to improve confidence in the system, strengthen consumer protection, and raise overall industry standards.

What It Means for Homeowners

For those planning a new home, renovation, or extension, the shift to the BPC offers several key benefits:

• More robust regulation of who is authorised to carry out building work

• A transparent and accessible complaints process

• Stronger enforcement of ethical and professional conduct

• Clearer expectations around qualifications and licensing

These changes are intended to protect homeowners and ensure that practitioners working in the industry meet defined standards of quality and integrity.

Staying Informed

Anyone planning building work should take a moment to verify their chosen practitioner’s registration via the BPC portal at bpc.vic.gov.au. It’s also the central platform for lodging complaints, reviewing practitioner records, and staying up to date on regulatory developments.

With these changes now in effect, the BPC is expected to play a central role in shaping a safer, more accountable building industry for all Victorians.