NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard
James Sherrard was appointed NSW Building Commissioner in October 2024, dedicated to ensuring safety, quality, and accountability across the residential construction industry.
With over 30 years of experience in construction, he spent three years at Transport for NSW before stepping into the commissioner role.
Before this, James worked in the private sector as a consultant and project manager across civic, residential, and commercial sectors.
Beyond Australia, he has spent more than a decade delivering projects in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
In NSW, we are raising the standards of residential construction to ensure homeowners get the quality they deserve. We will not hesitate to take strong action against builders who cut corners or put consumers at risk. Our focus is on restoring trust in the industry by holding the right people accountable and ensuring only those who do the right thing can operate in this space.
James Sherrard, NSW Building Commissioner

Our strategy
Pioneering proactive regulation
Building Commission NSW is informing regulation and enforcing higher standards and accountability in the building industry.
Data led interventions to reduce costs and drive value
Building Commission NSW uses credible research, case studies, and measurable benchmarks to guide its work and report on its outcomes.
Leveraging industry initiatives for a fairer market
Building Commission NSW harnesses the power of industry-led initiatives, including iCIRT, latent defects insurance, and decennial liability insurance, to create a more equitable building industry.
Building a stronger industry
We equip the industry with the tools and resources needed to deliver high-quality housing, aligning with the NSW Government's housing strategy.
Privacy
Access to information
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