The definition of building work establishes the reach of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner’s jurisdiction. The definition is broad.
The definition is contained in the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 (BCII Act). Whether a participant in the building industry is affected by the BCII Act is dictated by whether the work concerned is defined as building work.
Building work means:
Buildings, structures or works on land (including land beneath water)
Building activities on any buildings, structures or works that form, or are to form, part of land. The result of the activities may be permanent or temporary. Activities covered are:
- construction
- alteration
- extension
- restoration
- repair
- demolition
- dismantling.
Railways and docks
Building activities on railways (but not for rolling stock) and docks. Activities covered are identical to those set out above.
Fit-outs on land (including land beneath water)
Building activities for fit-outs, provided that the fittings form, or are to form, part of land, and are installed in a building, structure or works. For example, the installation of:
- heating
- lighting
- air-conditioning
- ventilation
- power supply
- drainage
- sanitation
- water supply
- fire protection
- security
- communications systems.
Preparatory/Finishing Operations
Building operations that are in preparation for, or for the finishing of, any of the building activities listed on the front of this fact sheet.
For example:
- scaffolding tasks
- excavations
- prefabrication of components whether carried out onsite or off-site
- landscaping
- road-works.
Building work does not cover:
Drilling and extraction
- the drilling for, or extraction of, oil or natural gas
- the extraction of, or underground works for, mining.
Domestic housing
- construction, repair, or restoration of:
- a single-dwelling home
- a building, structure, or work e.g. a shed, or a pool associated with a single-dwelling home
- alteration and extension of a single-dwelling home which remains so after the activity is completed
- a multi-dwelling development involving the construction of 4 single-dwelling homes or less.
You can download a printable version of this fact sheet here: Definition of Building Work - Do you come within the jurisdiction of the ABCC? (PDF 99KB)
The information contained in this fact sheet is correct as at 26 February 2008.
This material is for general information only. You should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances. The Australian Government, its employees and agents do not accept any liability for action taken in reliance on this document and disclaim all liability arising from any error or omission. ABN 68 003 725 098
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