Our experience is Government reliance on private (intended to be independent certifiers) is part of the problem, and not the solution so promoted. Hence one does need to fall back on the State Building Authorities. That the respective consultative bodies tend to include significant industry representation and minimal opportunity for consumers to be part of those bodies is also disappointing.
There are those who might suggest only those with expertise should be given a seat at the table. Our political representatives are often the closest community representatives to what is being recommended or agreed to. And they too are also mostly outside their chosen profession when asked to do so.
The final insult to democracy IMHO is that when any discussions take place (public inquiries excluded) is to consider the lack of transparency. Is every meeting or discussion recorded and publicly shared within the next few days? Whether sound or of doubtful outcome, that one is on the public record might cause many to be more considered in what they are asking or agreeing to.
A topic and discussion specific to an everyday concern on a new build.
