Role statement - Victorian Building Authority

Victorian Building Authority

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is the principal regulator for building and plumbing in Victoria, overseeing compliance with regulations, legal requirements and professional standards. VBA audits and inspects building and plumbing work on sites across Victoria to ensure it is safe, compliant and completed to all relevant standards and codes. 

Mitigation

Activity Critical task alignment / activity source

Work with other agencies and regulators in the review of regulatory environment and identify risks and where appropriate suggest mitigation measures that could be explored by responsible parties

1.4

Provide expert technical advice and information to the building industry on building and plumbing regulatory requirements to manage building safety, including (but not limited to) private bushfire shelters) 

4.5, 4.6

Participating agency for the following bushfire mitigation activity:

  • building regulations, standards and codes

Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation

Participating agency for the following earthquake mitigation activity:

  • building standards/regulations and enforcement (post 1989, 1993, 2007 standards)

Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation

Participating agency for the following storm mitigation activity:

  • buildings compliant to engineering standards (planning and building standards/regulations)

Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation

Response (including Relief)

Activity Critical task alignment / activity source

On the request of the lead agency engage with building and plumbing industry stakeholders and activate networks

3.2

When necessary undertake building inspection activities to determine building safety post event, and engage with Heritage Victoria for heritage place assessments

11.1

Provide building maintenance and safety guidance and information resources associated with building safety to response agencies 

4.5, 4.6

Recovery

Activity Critical task alignment / activity source

Recovery Support Agency (RecSA) to:

  • ERV to coordinate approved state-led or supported clean-up 
  • DTP to provide advice and information on land use planning, building, historic heritage, land surveying and spatial services to facilitate restoration of buildings, heritage listed places, and assets 

Table 17: Recovery coordination: Built environment

Where necessary, facilitate and participate in building and plumbing inspections of affected buildings with relevant agencies and industry experts as required to determine building safety and recovery requirements

11.1

Assurance and Learning

Activity Critical task alignment / activity source

Capture insights from activities to inform future response and review regulatory improvement opportunities to mitigate similar future emergency events 

21.1, 21.3

Undertake inspections, investigations and audits on a risk basis to ensure compliance with relevant legislation during response/ recovery

11.1, 21.1