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Changes to the swimming pool legislation are due to take effect on 29 April 2016. REINSW has been vocal about its belief that there are insufficient resources available to ensure compliance with those new laws by that date.

Indeed, late in 2015 REINSW wrote to the government urging it to reconsider its decision to go ahead with the legislation as currently drafted.  REINSW recommended to government that a way to minimise severe delays in obtaining compliance certificates is to commence the lease provisions as planned on 29 April 2016, but defer the sale provisions for a further 12 months.

REINSW has continued to put pressure on government for a decision and public announcement to be made as soon as possible, regardless of the approach it takes. It is understood that the Building Professionals Board (BPB) has finished its review of swimming pool barrier requirements.  A report has been been prepared for the BPB to make a decision at its meeting on 29th February 2016. The BPB will then make its recommendations to the Minister. The BPB will advise of the changes, if there are to be any, after those recommendations have been considered.

 
Until any further announcements are made by government, REINSW recommends that agents involved in both sales and leasing continue with their compliance preparations as though the 29 April 2016 deadline is certain.

According to Royal Life Saving, 95% of pools fail their first compliance assessment - and on average it takes three inspections to achieve full compliance!