Industry experts say proposed changes to our building consents systems have been long overdue

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk's introducing shared liability for defects - and allowing councils to consolidate their Building Consent Authorities.

He claims councils have been overly cautious with consenting - as they've had to pay out when something goes wrong.

Building Officials Institute chief executive Nick Hill says after decades of poor activity, those undertaking the work will be held accountable.

He says they'll be required to remediate the problems and address the financial implications of the causes they have created.