We are proud to share that Harriet Warlow-Shill, Founder and Principal of Warlows Legal, has been appointed to the Building Appeals Board (BAB) in Victoria. This is a significant achievement for Harriet and an exciting milestone for our firm. With her extensive experience in construction law and dispute resolution, she will bring a trusted and knowledgeable voice to one of Victoria’s most important bodies overseeing building regulation.
What is the Building Appeals Board (BAB)?
The Building Appeals Board (BAB) is an independent statutory tribunal established under the Building Act 1993 (Vic). It serves as Victoria’s specialist decision-making body for technical and regulatory matters relating to building standards, compliance and disputes.
The BAB hears and determines:
- Appeals against decisions made by building authorities such as building permit refusals, emergency orders, or directions to fix work;
- Disputes and compensation claims relating to building work, protection works and adjoining property issues;
- Applications to modify or exempt certain building regulations, including assessments of whether a specific part of a building complies with the Code.
Proceedings are heard by a panel of two or three members with relevant expertise, such as engineers, architects, building surveyors and construction lawyers. Hearings may be held in person or online, and decisions made by the Board are final and legally binding, subject only to judicial review on points of law.
In essence, the BAB provides a forum for builders, developers, surveyors, councils and property owners to resolve building disputes and challenge regulatory decisions in an expert, independent setting.
Looking Ahead
Harriet’s appointment to the Building Appeals Board is a natural progression of her longstanding work in construction law and regulatory reform. Throughout her career, she has been deeply engaged in shaping fair outcomes for builders, developers, subcontractors, and owners, not only through legal representation, but through active participation in industry reform and advocacy (see her contributions to Victoria’s Security of Payments Tranche 1 reforms in this article here, and her submission to the original parliamentary inquiry here).
By joining the Board, Harriet is now actively involved in shaping the future of Victoria’s construction industry. For Warlows Legal and our clients, this provides us with deeper insight, earlier awareness of change, and stronger guidance for our clients.
To view Harriet’s appointment and other members of the Building Appeals Board, click here:
https://www.buildingappeals.vic.gov.au/about/bab-members
