Opposition Leader Shane Love MLA has condemned the Cook Labor Government’s ongoing
failure to assist hundreds of customers impacted by Nicheliving, following revelations that the
State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) is unlikely to reach a determination until February 2025.
“Hundreds of Nicheliving customers have now been informed they are unlikely to see any
resolution until at least February next year, as the SAT determines whether it will allow Nicheliving
to maintain its building registration.”
On 30 July the Building Services Board refused to renew the building registration of Projex
Management and Construction Pty Ltd, trading as Nicheliving, following more than 70 complaints
from customers regarding lengthy delays in constructing their new homes.
On 23 August, the SAT issued a stay order, allowing Nicheliving to continue operating and
preventing customers from accessing their Home Indemnity Insurance.
“While I understand the SAT will hold a five-day hearing in November to fully consider this matter,
it is incredibly disappointing and frustrating for customers that a decision will not be reached until
February,” Mr Love said.
“This represents a further seven months of limbo for WA families who have already been in a
desperate and dire financial situation for several years. It has also taken a significant emotional toll
on many.”
Mr Love also criticised the Premier and the Minister for Commerce for refusing to meet with
impacted customers following the SAT’s decision in August.
“I wrote to both the Premier and the Minister immediately after the stay order was granted, urging
them to meet with affected customers and outline what support the Government may be able to
provide,” Mr Love said.
“To date, no response has been received, and in Parliament today, the Premier stated it was up to
Nicheliving to meet with their own customers.”
Mr Love expressed disappointment that the Minister for Commerce had failed to comply with
multiple Freedom of Information requests concerning her meetings with Nicheliving management
in recent months.
“Despite granting the Minister significant extensions beyond the 45-day permitted period, she
failed to respond to the FOI requests,” Mr Love said.
“As a result, I have been left with no choice by to refer this matter to the Information
Commissioner.
“This lack of transparency is unacceptable from a Minister and begs the question: what does the
Minister have to hide?”
The Nationals WA have pledged to introduce HomeBuild Relief Payments, valued at up to
$10,000, to support up to 2,000 Western Australian families impacted by lengthy building delays
under the WA Labor Government.
