Review of Western Australia's home building contract laws

Western Australia’s home building contract legislation is undergoing a major review examining the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (except Part 3A); and the dispute resolution/complaint process in Parts 2 and 3 of the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011.

This review will ensure WA’s home building contract laws framework remains modern, accessible, and fit for purpose providing appropriate safeguards for homeowners while supporting a stable and fair building industry. Recent challenges experienced by consumers and builders highlight the need for clearer regulation and stronger, earlier intervention powers.

The WA Government has already announced enhanced authority for the Building Services Board and the Building Commissioner to better manage at-risk contractors and protect consumers, with legislation to be introduced in due course.

The review process includes consultation with consumers (homeowners) and building industry participants to have their say on potential improvements and were recently invited to share their views and experiences through online surveys.

The survey period has now closed and the findings and written submissions are being compiled and analysed to inform the next stage of proposed reforms.

Next steps:

A consultation paper outlining proposed reforms will be released for public comment early next year (2026), providing further opportunity for consumers (homeowners) and building industry participants to have their say.

Review stages:

• Release of terms of reference – 2 July 2025 – Complete
• Inquiry phase consultation (written submissions and consumer and industry survey period) – 11 August to 12 September 2025 – Complete
• Analysis and compilation of written submissions and survey findings to inform consultation paper – In progress
• Consultation paper with reform proposals released for public comment – TBD (first quarter of 2026)
• Analysis of consultation feedback - TBD
• Final recommendations report to be provided to government for consideration – July 2026 (unless otherwise extended)

Further information:

• Terms of reference: Review of Western Australia's home building contract laws - terms of reference
• Commerce Minister media statement – Have your say on home building contract laws