The Victorian Government says it's changing governance of the state’s building regulator as part of reforms to increase confidence when people are building, buying or renting a home. 

A Victorian Building Authority (VBA) multi-commissioner governance board will be replaced by a sole commissioner, with Anna Cronin appointed to the role effective from Sunday, the Government said today. 

Ms Cronin, who has been VBA CEO since last July, will be supported by new advisory committees consisting of building, plumbing and consumer experts that will help strengthen the regulator’s practices and performance. 

The Government says the new arrangements will support a program of rapid change at the VBA, and that further safeguards around home building or renovating are being considered through the work of the Building System Review Expert Panel and a review of the Domestic Building Contracts Act. 

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny says the role of the building regulator is critical as more homes are built in areas close to transport, jobs and services. 

“These changes will deliver stronger oversight of new home builds, ensuring safer, quality and affordable homes for Victorians,” she said. 

The VBA board currently has six commissioners who meet at least six times a year, its website says. 

Before becoming CEO, Ms Cronin had served as Chair of the Government's Expert Panel on Building Reform and had previously been engaged in consulting with the VBA and other stakeholders in the building industry.