Tuesday, 15 March 2005

Smith: Building standards to remain accessible

Building standards won’t be compromised and builders and designers will be able to get the information they need to do their jobs after United Future’s intervention in the Legislation (Incorporation by Reference) Bill, which has been tabled in Parliament, United Future’s Murray Smith said today.

Changes negotiated in the Bill will ensure that builders have ready access to design and building standards without any additional cost, which would not have been the case if the Bill had proceeded as originally drafted.

Initially the publication of the standards on the Internet raised issues surrounding copyright protection, and a balance had to be struck that would mean that builders’ access to the standards through the Department of Buildings and Housing would be guaranteed.

“That is now the case,” Mr Smith said.

“This legislation is a prime example of the very positive way in which United Future works with and, at times, on the Government to get better outcomes for New Zealand.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media