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In this article, we delve into the outcomes and significance of 'Operation Hammer', a joint initiative by NSW Fair Trading and the Australian Border Force aimed at illegal practices and promoting compliance within the residential building sector of North-West Sydney. The information presented is derived from a media release published on the NSW Government website.
‘Operation Hammer’ represents a collaborative endeavour between NSW Fair Trading and the Australian Border Force to address various illegal practices arising within the residential building industry. The operation seeks to uphold regulatory standards and ensure adherence to compliance measures across North-West Sydney region.
Compliance
The collaboration between the Fair Trading's Proactive Investigations Team and ABF officers underscores a proactive effort to assess contractors within the NSW home-building sector, ensuring they possess the appropriate licenses and adequately supervise their workers.
This initiative directly addresses mounting concerns among industry stakeholders regarding the advent of unskilled and unlicensed workers. By conducting thorough assessments and supervision checks, the partnership aims to uphold regulatory standards, mitigate risks associated with non-compliance, and promote professionalism across the sector.
On-The-Ground Action
Throughout the operation, 48 individuals were interviewed, leading to the identification of 9 unlicensed contractors. Each offender faced an on-the-spot fine of $2,200 per infringement, effectively signalling a staunch stance against such practices.
Subsequently, the focus shifted towards conducting thorough investigations into the building companies linked with these unlicensed contractors, aimed at assessing their eligibility for licensing.
Why The Operation Was Undertaken
The operation was launched in response to mounting apprehensions surrounding building companies' engagement with unlicensed and unsupervised contractors, which raised concerns about safety hazards on-site, compromised construction quality, and defective buildings.
Fair Trading's sought to address these issues by intervening early in the construction process, identifying potential risks, and rectifying defects well before residents occupy the premises. By taking decisive action, the initiative aimed to restore public confidence in the integrity and safety of the construction industry.
Minister’s Comments
The NSW Minister for Building underscored the importance of 'Operation Hammer' as a pivotal warning to companies engaging unskilled and unlicensed contractors. Emphasizing the relationship between some builders violating immigration laws and compromising construction quality, the Minister emphasized the imperative to halt unlawful practices that adversely affect the quality of homes across NSW.
The combined effort of 'Operation Hammer' aimed to safeguard the integrity of the NSW home-building industry and prioritize the well-being of its residents. This initiative symbolized a dedication to the future of quality and compliant construction practices, underlining the significance of all industry stakeholders adhering to regulations and upholding the highest standards in residential buildings.