Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In Western Australia, legislation mandates that builders obtain a Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) policy for any residential construction projects exceeding $20,000 prior to receiving payment or commencing with construction.

This insurance offers homeowners a safeguard against financial setbacks should a builder be unable to finish or rectify construction due to reasons such as death, disappearance, financial insolvency, or the revocation of the builder's registration due to financial reasons.

The Armadale Magistrates' Court heard the case where DBD Developments had proceeded with laying the concrete foundation and other preliminary installations for a client's two-storey home in January 2022. However, the requisite HII was not procured until six months later, in July.

Saj Abdoolakhan, the Building Commissioner, highlighted the homeowner's dilemma, noting that two interim payments had been made in the absence of insurance protection.

He stated, "The builder was eligible for this insurance and should have obtained it before commencing work, rather than six months later. This conduct undermines the protections provided by WA’s home building contract laws and the overall integrity of the building approvals process."

This incident resonates amidst ongoing reviews in the construction sector focusing on enhancing compliance and safeguarding consumer interests, as highlighted in the original report from Armadale News.

Instances like these underline the crucial importance of transparency and adherence to legal obligations in the construction industry, particularly in protecting homeowners from potential financial vulnerabilities.

The case serves as a potent reminder for builders across the region to prioritise due diligence and adhere to statutory regulations to maintain trust and uphold industry standards.

The penalty not only enforces existing laws but also signals to other builders the serious repercussions of bypassing essential mandates that protect both builders and clients alike.

Published:Tuesday, 11th Feb 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Australian Trucking Industry Faces Unprecedented Fuel Cost Challenges

30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian trucking industry is currently grappling with an unprecedented surge in fuel prices, a situation that has placed many operators on the brink of financial collapse. Recent reports indicate that diesel prices have escalated from approximately $1.65 per litre to between $2.70 and $2.90 per litre within a mere three-week period. This dramatic increase has significantly impacted the operational costs of trucking businesses nationwide. - read more

Western Australian Transport Sector Pushes for Enhanced Truck Licensing Standards

30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Western Australia's transport industry is advocating for significant reforms to the state's heavy vehicle licensing system, aiming to enhance road safety and ensure that drivers possess the necessary skills and experience to operate large trucks. This push for stricter licensing standards comes in the wake of South Australia's recent implementation of more rigorous conditions for obtaining multi-combination (MC) licenses, following a tragic triple fatality crash in 2024. - read more

APRA Takes Action Against Unjustified Commercial Auto Insurance Premium Increases

30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently implemented emergency regulations aimed at addressing escalating concerns within the commercial auto insurance sector. In response to widespread industry protests over substantial premium increases, APRA has taken decisive action to protect independent transport operators and logistics enterprises from potential financial distress. - read more

Navigating Rising Premiums and Profit Challenges in Australia's Insurance Sector

30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurance industry is currently grappling with a complex landscape marked by escalating premiums and declining profits. This trend is largely attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, coupled with rising operational costs. - read more

Resilience in Action: Australian Non-Life Insurers Report Robust Revenue Growth

30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Despite facing a volatile risk environment, Australia's non-life insurance sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with leading insurers reporting substantial revenue growth. According to AM Best's recent analysis, the top 10 non-life insurers in Australia collectively achieved nearly $46 billion in insurance services revenue in the latest fiscal year, marking an 11.1% increase from the previous period. - read more

Click for more Insurance News