- Published:
- Thursday 22 October 2026
Labor is giving Victorians building a home free legal help at every stage of the build – not just once it's gone wrong.
Until now, the Domestic Building Legal Service only stepped in after formal dispute resolution had failed. Too late for too many.
That's why the Carroll Labor Government is investing more than $14.5 million over five years to expand it.
This will lift funding from $730,000 to almost $3 million this year.
Up to 16,000 Victorians a year will use its free online legal resources, and around 1,100 homeowners will get tailored advice, online or in person.
Last year, 150 homeowners got intensive legal help. Soon, 400 a year will – including advocacy and representation in complex disputes with their builder.
Justice Connect and the Consumer Action Law Centre will deliver the service.
When Porter Davis collapsed in 2023, it left 1,500 Victorian homes unfinished. Labor stepped in with support for families who lost their deposits.
Then Labor rebuilt the system – with a tough new regulator in the Building and Plumbing Commission, and from 1 July, first-resort Home Warranty Insurance covering lost deposits, unfinished work and defects.
Only Labor is backing homeowners against dodgy builders.
Jess Wilson has a $40 billion cuts plan that she refuses to say what she will cut or who she will sack to pay for it.
This could leave families on their own against builders who cut corners.
Labor will always back families over dodgy builders.
Help is available now at justiceconnect.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Tim Richardson
“Your home is the biggest investment you'll ever make. If your builder lets you down, you shouldn't fight them alone.”
“Dodgy builders count on families not knowing their rights. Now families will have help in their corner from day one.”
“Jess Wilson's $40 billion in cuts would leave homeowners on their own. Only Labor will back them.”