QLD Building Commission Moves IT Under Operations

Why It Matters

Embedding IT within operations accelerates QBCC’s service delivery and strengthens industry oversight, setting a benchmark for regulator digital transformation.

Key Takeaways

• IT now reports to newly appointed COO
• General manager role merges strategy and operations
• Digital licences improve contractor verification for homeowners
• Digital strategy approved 2022, guiding enterprise architecture
• Former CDIO moved to QRIDA, highlighting talent mobility

Pulse Analysis

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has reshaped its governance by moving the digital and information division under a newly created chief operating officer, Amanda Pafumi. This structural shift replaces the former chief digital and information officer (CDIO) title with a general manager, digital and information, reflecting a blend of strategic oversight and day‑to‑day operational control. By embedding technology functions within the operations hierarchy, QBCC aims to break down silos, accelerate decision‑making, and align its digital roadmap with core regulatory processes. The move is a cornerstone of a broader digital transformation program launched in 2022.

The reorganization arrives as QBCC rolls out digital licences, a service that lets contractors obtain and renew permits online, offering faster turnaround for builders and greater transparency for homeowners. The digital licence platform reduces paperwork, cuts processing time, and creates a verifiable record of compliance, which is especially valuable in a market where consumer confidence hinges on licensed professionals. By centralising digital strategy under operations, the regulator can more quickly iterate on such services, respond to emerging risks, and integrate data analytics into enforcement actions, strengthening overall industry standards.

QBCC’s approach mirrors a wider trend among Australian regulators to embed IT capabilities within operational command structures, recognizing that technology is no longer a support function but a driver of service delivery. The departure of former CDIO Jeremy Janes to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority underscores the competitive talent market for digital leaders in the public sector. As the commission continues to refine its enterprise architecture and roadmap, stakeholders can expect further automation, enhanced data sharing, and more resilient digital infrastructure, positioning Queensland’s construction sector for sustained growth.