Professional Builders Group of Australia

The preeminent group for building and construction professionals, the Australian Institute of Building (AIB), has distanced itself from a new organisation seeking members from individuals and companies in the industry.

The Professional Builders Group of Australia (PBGA) is a private Victorian-based organisation which has set itself up and seeking "members" from builders, trade contractors and suppliers. A research of public records undertaken in August 2008 indicates that the PBGA organisation is not a membership-based organisation in the typical sense, being neither an incorporated association nor a company limited by guarantee.

"We strong recommend that any individual or organisation seeking to affiliate itself with the PBGA familiarise itself with the organisation, its objectives and what protection extends to those joining the organisation," said Troy Williams, AIB Chief Executive.

"The PBGA is not affiliated with peak industry bodies such as the Australian Construction Industry Forum.

"Given that the PBGA postal and telephone contact details are identical to those of the so-called National Institute of Tantra, the backers of the PBGA seem to have a diverse background not necessarily specialising in building and construction," Mr Williams continued.

AIB understands that the operations of the Professional Builders Group of Australia are being reviewed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The outcome of this review is not yet known.

Established in 1951 and granted a Royal Charter in 1969, AIB is the leading professional institute for building and construction professionals. It is the largest such body in the region with members in eighteen countries throughout the South-East Asia region.