These proposals are consultation concepts. They do not claim Victorian Government endorsement and do not seek unrestricted deregulation.
Carpenters for Housing Reform Victoria has developed a connected group of reform proposals addressing practitioner recognition, renovation responsibility, quality assurance and evidence-based regulation.
The proposals are consultation concepts. They do not claim Victorian Government endorsement and do not seek unrestricted deregulation.
Each component addresses a distinct dimension of residential building reform. Together they form a coherent, evidence-based approach to improving practitioner recognition, responsibility and quality outcomes.
A bounded pathway for experienced renovation carpenters, supported by assessment, insurance, documentation, audits and clear exclusions. The RRC is proposed as the first pilot — not an expansion of builder scope.
Registered builders remain responsible for broader, structural and multi-trade work.
A staged system for recognising advanced specialist competence while maintaining separate evidence, assessment and scope controls for every trade pathway. Future trade investigations are staged for later consideration only.
A targeted approach using hold points, product-system records, digital evidence, practitioner accountability and proportionate regulatory oversight. Waterproofing is treated as a separate high-risk category requiring dedicated assurance settings.
A platform for practical research, consultation, publication and reform development based on trade experience, consumer risk and regulatory evidence.
The RRC and Advanced Trades Framework define practitioner recognition and assessment standards.
Clear scope boundaries and builder handoff triggers define the limits of recognised practitioner responsibility.
The Waterproofing Integrity Framework demonstrates how risk-based hold points and documentation provide quality assurance.
HOW EVIDENCE IMPROVES REGULATION — The Reform Institute gathers, analyses and publishes the evidence needed to support or refine future reform decisions.
Recognise competence. Define responsibility. Verify outcomes. Improve the system through evidence.
Direct links to documents and pages currently published in this repository. No publication numbers or government status are fabricated.
This reform initiative relies on practical, on-the-ground evidence from working tradespeople, builders, consumers and industry professionals. If you have relevant experience, we want to hear from you.
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These proposals are designed to improve clarity, accountability and consumer protection within Victoria's existing residential building framework — not to replace it.