The Victorian Government today introduced into Parliament the Building Amendment (Registration of Trades and other matters) Bill 2018. As part of the reforms, it is expected that the requirement for a register of swimming pools and spas will be introduced as well as routine inspections of swimming pools and spas as frequently as every three years.

Following recommendations by the Coroner resulting from an inquest into a child drowning, the Andrews Government introduced into parliament today new reforms that intend to boost pool safety.

The Building Amendment (Registration of Trades and other matters) Bill 2018 proposes, amongst other things, to require in Victoria:

• the establishment of a state-wide register of swimming pools and spas
• mandatory routine inspections of swimming pools and spas.

If the Bill is passed, it is expected that Council will be charged with the responsibility to maintain the register and carry out routine inspections. The role to be played by Councils will be clear once the Bill is released.

The Bill is expected to be released to the public on Tuesday 7 August 2018.