Sunday Age (June 22) labels delay in legislation as an example of the Napthine government capitulating to building industry lobby groups – “Napthine Buckles in pursuit of bad builders”. The reality is that the most significant change impacting the industry in 20 years is getting the scrutiny it deserves before being enacted. At its core the legislation will provide Victorians with a faster dispute setting mechanism to the benefit of consumers and builders alike. Responsibility for administering the new regime falls entirely upon the Victoria Building Authority (VBA) rather than multiple departments as is the case now. Such an important reform should have been put out as an exposure draft to obtain public comment, including the 250,000 people who work in the building industry in Victoria – who are not all rogues, vagabonds and thieves. Balance is required to better deal with rogue elements within the industry, but shifting the pendulum too far one way would be a mistake unworthy of our parliamentary system. The subeditors job is to create interest in a story, but the title is a misrepresentation of the situation. The opposition’s job is to hold government to account, however, whilst in government they didn’t attempt significant reforms of the type now close to implementation. Rather than criticise the delay, why don’t we all make a positive contribution to a better system. Getting it right is better than being a month or two late.