Australian Institute of Building Surveyors

08/10/2026

AIBS has lodged a submission to the Office of the State Building Surveyor (OSBS) and Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), the Premier of Victoria, Opposition leader, Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts and Shadow Minister for Planning calling for stronger protections for RBS independence, including dedicated engagement agreements and clearer regulatory guidance on inappropriate contractual arrangements: https://buff.ly/NF8JMA7

Protecting the profession means protecting the ability of building surveyors to exercise independent statutory judgement, free from commercial pressure.

These issues, along with the latest regulatory and industry developments, will be part of the conversations at the AIBS Victorian Professional Development Day in Melbourne on Tuesday 27 October: https://buff.ly/BxVJltj

06/10/2026

The NCC Livable Housing Design Standards are an important step forward—but are there still gaps to address?

In the latest Australian Building Surveyor, access consultant Farah Madon AM examines the practical application of the Livable Housing Design Standards, highlighting areas where greater clarity and technical refinement could improve accessibility outcomes and support more consistent compliance.

The article explores topics including:
• Accessibility for people using mobility aids
• Technical inconsistencies and compliance challenges
• Opportunities to strengthen future editions of the Standards

It's a thoughtful perspective on an important and evolving area of the NCC.

Read the full article in the latest Australian Building Surveyor.

🔗https://buff.ly/yFp3KMs

24/09/2026

"In your early years, don't prioritise comfort—prioritise exposure." That's one of the key lessons Campbell Wood has taken from seven years in building surveying.

From working on domestic extensions to complex projects like the Chadstone Shopping Centre redevelopment, Campbell reflects on how challenge, experience and stepping outside his comfort zone have shaped his career.

In the latest Australian Building Surveyor magazine, he shares:
• How he found his way into the profession
• The projects that had the greatest impact on his development
• The mentors who influenced his career
• His advice for those starting out in building surveying

It's an honest reflection on the realities of the profession and the opportunities that come from saying yes to new challenges.

Read Campbell's story in the latest edition of Australian Building Surveyor: https://buff.ly/DSIlgxC

08/09/2026

Build better, not just faster.

As governments look for ways to accelerate housing delivery, it's worth asking whether we're focusing on the right problem.

In the latest Australian Building Surveyor, Jeremy Turner argues that poor construction quality and costly defects are having a greater long-term impact on housing supply than approval timeframes alone. He outlines why raising professional standards, strengthening accountability and improving national consistency are critical if Australia is to deliver more homes without compromising quality.

Read the full article: https://buff.ly/Qh8VA9l

27/08/2026

Does commissioning really start at handover? Not according to Con Nicolas.

In the latest edition of the Australian Building Surveyor magazine, Con argues that commissioning begins much earlier—at the design stage. He explores why building surveyors should be asking more questions of complex fire engineering solutions, why design intent needs to be measurable and why effective commissioning depends on decisions made long before a building is occupied.

It's a thought-provoking read on professional responsibility, collaboration and the role building surveyors play in delivering safer buildings.

Read the full article in the latest edition of Australian Building Surveyor.
🔗 https://buff.ly/kLOix7H

12/08/2026

Two new Standards Australia Bushfire Guidance Handbooks have recently been published, providing practical guidance to support better outcomes for both industry and homeowners.

Join Dr Grahame Douglas, who played a key role in developing the Handbooks, as he explores their practical application and what they mean for building surveying practice. The Handbooks also include significant contributions from AIBS Fellow Colin Wood, reflecting the profession's role in shaping industry guidance.

You'll learn about:
✔️ The purpose and practical application of the new Handbooks
✔️ Key guidance for building surveyors working in bushfire-prone areas
✔️ Supporting better outcomes for homeowners
✔️ Live Q&A with Dr Grahame Douglas

📅 Wednesday, 26 August 2026
🕛 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm AEST
💻 Online
🎓 2 CPD points – Module 2

Register now: https://buff.ly/pWdaeIn

With the recent publication of two new Handbooks by Standards Australia, information supporting both industry and consumers understanding of what can be done to improve the performance of dwellings from the threat of bushfire has never been better. With considerable input from AIBS Fellow Colin Wood...

10/08/2026

Clarity in complexity. That's how CathPatterson has approached more than two decades in building surveying.

From regional inspections to some of Australia's most technically complex buildings, Cath has built a career on curiosity, continuous learning and the confidence to think independently.

In the latest Australian Building Surveyor magazine, Cath reflects on:
• Why challenging assumptions makes you a better building surveyor
• The projects that shaped her career
• The value of curiosity and lifelong learning
• Her advice for those entering the profession

It's an insightful look at the mindset behind a long and rewarding career in building surveying.

Read Cath's story in the latest edition: https://buff.ly/3UT4iCf

09/08/2026

Following years of AIBS advocacy, Building Surveyor is now recognised as a distinct occupation in Australia's official occupation classification (ANZSCO). 🎉

When completing your Census on 11 August, if you're a building surveyor, please enter Building Surveyor as your occupation. This data will help build a clearer picture of our profession, providing valuable insights to support future advocacy, workforce planning and policy development.

22/07/2026

New responsibilities bring new risks. Is your practice prepared?

The recent Victorian building reforms have introduced additional responsibilities for building surveyors, making robust documentation, compliance processes and risk management more important than ever.

In the latest Australian Building Surveyor, Mary Kunjan from AIBS National Partner Marsh shares practical guidance on managing professional liability, strengthening compliance processes and reducing risk under the new legislative framework.

Read the full article in the latest Australian Building Surveyor.

Read the full article: https://buff.ly/fITeDJX

13/07/2026

📖 NCC 2025 is here. Are you ready for the transition?

The latest edition of Australian Building Surveyor explores what NCC 2025 means for building surveyors across Australia.

Inside the feature you'll discover:
✔ Adoption timelines by state and territory
✔ The key changes affecting building surveying practice
✔ Common transition challenges
✔ Practical strategies to help you prepare

Whether you're already working under NCC 2025 or preparing for its implementation, this article will help you stay informed and ready for what's ahead.

📘 Read the latest edition of Australian Building Surveyor: https://buff.ly/gkciIMh

The Australian Building Surveyor Magazine delivers industry news, expert insights and regulatory updates to keep building surveyors informed on trends and best