Melbourne-based builder Andrew Donald Little has been temporarily banned from the building industry following accusations of severe safety breaches and causing significant harm to consumers.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has issued a show cause notice against Little, detailing 58 alleged violations of building regulations. These include failing to comply with fire safety standards and leaving consumers with unsafe, incomplete construction projects.
In response to these allegations, the VBA has proposed a three-year industry ban, the cancellation of Little’s building registrations, and a fine of $160,000.
The suspension follows a thorough investigation into two construction sites – one in Kurunjang and another in Emerald. According to the VBA, Little neglected critical safety requirements, including failing to install sprinklers in a facility designed for people with disabilities, despite it being a legal requirement.
Additionally, the authority claims Little accepted payments for work without the necessary building insurance and left projects in a state of disrepair, requiring costly repairs to complete.
The VBA has stressed that its primary concern is protecting consumers and holding builders accountable for unsafe practices.
VBA acting chief executive officer Todd Bentley reiterated the authority’s commitment to using all available disciplinary powers to address misconduct.
“The regulator’s role is to remove those who harm consumers and breach safety standards from the industry,” Mr Bentley said.
In response, ADL Home Building and Constructions, the company owned by Little, vehemently disputes the VBA’s actions. The company asserts that it was never contacted during the investigation before the suspension was imposed, calling this a violation of their rights.
ADL Home has also raised questions about the fairness of the VBA’s investigation, claiming that key information was overlooked in the decision-making process.
“How can the VBA make a fair, balanced, and equitable decision if not all the facts have been considered?” the company said in a statement.
ADL Home further argues that some of the issues at the project sites stemmed from client-related problems, not solely from their own work. For example, one client allegedly failed to meet contractual obligations for over a year and delayed necessary project approvals.
The company maintains that, had the VBA considered all relevant facts, it would have understood that these challenges were beyond their control.
The company also pointed to findings from WorkSafe, which highlighted safety-related issues at the job sites caused by the client and other parties.
“Everyone has the right to work in an environment free of abuse, bullying, harassment, and intimidation,” the statement read, adding that WorkSafe noted certain individuals had failed to meet required workplace standards.
Currently, ADL Home is appealing the suspension, hoping to have its registration reinstated to continue supporting clients with unfinished projects.
“We are frustrated by the impact the VBA’s actions have had on our clients, and we look forward to the opportunity to respond to the allegations and restore our registrations,” the company said.
As the case progresses, ADL Home has raised concerns with both the Victorian Ombudsman and the VBA’s leadership regarding the fairness of the process. The company warns that improper handling of the case could undermine public confidence in the building industry.
Andrew Donald Little is also appealing the suspension through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), awaiting a decision on whether he will be allowed to continue working as a builder.
The outcome of this case may have significant implications for Little’s business and the way the VBA enforces disciplinary actions in the future.
