Construction issues were a significant talking point in the lead up to the NSW state election, and will continue to attract much attention and debate.

We break-down the key election promises and reforms that we can expect from the returning government.

Metro West and Regional Roads

A major project featuring in the election campaign was Metro West, an underground metro railway aimed at connecting the key precincts of Greater Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, the Bays Precinct and the Sydney CBD. The NSW Coalition government had announced funding of $6.4 billion in 2016 and construction is set to commence in 2020. 

Funding of $1.54 billion was also allocated towards fixing local roads and bridges in regional NSW. This election funding promise was intended to help ease the burden on local ratepayers. In addition, an independent expert panel will assist regional council to ensure sufficient process, cost and timeline is met.

The construction industry had already started to feel a decline with almost 40,000 construction jobs lost (more here), but the NSW Coalition's commitment to both the Metro West and Regional Roads is set to help boost construction jobs in the state.

Sydney stadiums

The controversial demolition and construction of Sydney Football Stadium and refurbishments to the Sydney Olympic Stadium were under the spotlight in the lead up to the election, particularly in light of the failed legal challenge to the Sydney Football Stadium demolition. 

SOPA Reform

With caretaker mode over, we await commencement of the reforms to the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) (SOPA) following the passing of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Bill 2018 in November 2018. The amendments will prove to be significant as a claimant corporation in liquidation will be unable to take steps under the SOPA and incentives to challenge adjudication determinations containing minor errors will be removed.

Regulatory reform

The NSW Government announced prior to the election that they will support a majority of the recommendations from the Shergold Weir Report and Opal Tower Report ( more here). Again, with caretaker mode over, we await the details and structure of the reform package which may include the creation of the office of Building Commissioner, empowered to conduct inspections of buildings and undertake compliance audits at random, as well as increased regulation of building practitioners. 

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.