Media statement from Commerce Minister Sue Ellery

• Building dispute timeframe to be extended to 15 years for Typlex 1050 pipe failures
• Building complaint remedies to align with recently announced Industry Response

The Cook Government is progressing legislative changes to resolve the problem of Typlex 1050 plumbing pipe leaks, ensuring all affected homeowners can access a consistent remedy.

Amendments to the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 were introduced to Parliament today, which will allow building service complaints related specifically to Typlex 1050 pipes to be lodged with the Building Commissioner for up to 15 years after completion of a building or renovation project, rather than the usual six years.

The change complements the Industry Response announced by the Cook Government in August, to help homeowners impacted by Typlex 1050 leaks at no cost to them. An in-principle agreement was reached between the pipe manufacturer, Iplex Australia, participating builders and the State Government to fund a structured remediation program based on the number of leaks experienced.

Homeowners whose builders are not participating and wish to access the same remedies in the Industry Response can lodge a building complaint during the forthcoming extended 15-year period. Resulting building remedy orders will, as far as reasonably practicable, align with the Industry Response's remediation program.

Typlex 1050 pipes were installed in approximately 12,000 Western Australian homes between 2017 and 2022, meaning the extended timeframe for disputes captures all affected homes. While leaks have not occurred in all 12,000 homes, a significant number have encountered this issue.

Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Sue Ellery:

"The Cook Government is putting homeowners first in resolving this unprecedented problem.

"This legislation provides reassurance that all homeowners affected by these distressing pipe leaks can access the same remediation approach regardless of who built their home and when.

"Impacted homeowners will be on equal footing, whether they seek remediation through the Industry Response or the extended building complaints period."

• Original statement on State Government website: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook%20Labor%20Government/Reforms-to-support-homeowners-impacted-by-leaking-pipes-introduced-to-Parliament--20240919