
A former building supervisor has been hit with a $40,000 fine and had his registration cancelled after admitting to multiple disciplinary matters related to the construction of two Perth homes.
Muhammad Salman, previously the nominated supervisor of Kulowall Construction Pty Ltd trading as Opus Homes, faced disciplinary action following a Building and Energy investigation into projects in Beckenham and North Coogee.
The State Administrative Tribunal heard that Salman admitted to 14 instances of negligence or failure to ensure proper management and supervision of building services at the Beckenham property.
Building and Energy identified over 45 breaches of Australian Standards and building plans at this site, including structural issues affecting walls, beams, brickwork and alfresco components.
Salman also allowed modifications that did not comply with plans approved by the City of Gosnells and relied on the homeowner’s husband for many of his nominated supervisor duties.
At the North Coogee property, Salman failed to identify and rectify structural issues affecting areas including the concrete slab, roof components, walls, brickwork and a balcony pier.
Building and Energy found more than 60 breaches of Australian Standards and building plans at this site.
Building Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan welcomed the significant penalty and registration cancellation.
“With registration comes responsibility and this outcome should put unscrupulous building industry participants on notice,” Abdoolakhan said.
“These projects resulted in 23 disciplinary matters, many with multiple components. This is unacceptable conduct from a nominated supervisor expected to diligently oversee the construction of new homes for these two families.”
Abdoolakhan noted that while the homeowners were able to access home indemnity insurance after the building contractor’s insolvency, they had faced significant financial and emotional impacts from the poorly managed projects.
The Tribunal ordered the cancellation of Salman’s building practitioner registration and payment of a $40,000 fine to the Building Commissioner on June 12, 2024.
Kulowall Construction Pty Ltd, which employed Salman, entered liquidation in February 2024.