Australia Pauses Major National Construction Code Changes to Support Housing Supply

National Construction Code

AUSTRALIA: Australia building ministers have agreed to pause major changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) until mid-2029, with only essential quality and safety measures taking effect. The measures include improved water management in commercial and apartment buildings, enhanced carpark fire safety standards, commercial energy efficiency reforms, and condensation mitigation. Planned requirements for home EV chargers and new residential energy efficiency upgrades have been shelved, while the existing 7-star energy efficiency standard from NCC 2022 will remain. The NCC 2025 edition will be published by February 1, and states can choose to adopt it from May 1, with implementation varying by jurisdiction. 

Ministers also agreed to modernise how the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) develops and manages future codes, including using AI to improve accessibility, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting modern methods of construction (MMC), and overhauling the drafting process. Housing Industry Association (HIA) managing director Jocelyn Martin said, “The burden of excessive regulation related to building, planning, and approvals is adding significant cost, complexity and delays which is impacting our industry’s ability to supply the homes we need.” Property Council of Australia chief executive Mike Zorbas added that the pause provides developers with greater certainty, while Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said, “Builders need this certainty and can’t afford to be held back by unnecessary red tape if Australia has any hope of meeting our housing targets.” 

Source: AustralianBroker