{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHIA calls for ‘knock-down rebuild’ of the National Construction Code
HIA calls for ‘knock-down rebuild’ of the National Construction Code
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
The submission to the consultation on Streamlining and Modernising the NCC outlines a suite of reforms aimed at simplifying the code, reducing red tape and supporting innovation in home building.
HIA Executive Director Building Policy, Shane Keating said the review presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset the code, so it better supports housing supply, productivity and affordability.
“It has become increasingly difficult to build a home in Australia. Builders want to be on site delivering homes for Australians, not buried in paperwork trying to navigate a regulatory maze.”
HIA’s submission highlights the dramatic expansion of building regulation over time, with the NCC now more than eight times longer than when it was first introduced and referencing almost twice as many supporting standards.
“Over decades the NCC has grown layer upon layer of new objectives and requirements. What began as a technical code focused on issues like structural integrity and fire safety has expanded into a much broader policy tool,” said Mr Keating.
“Many of these changes are well intentioned, but the cumulative impact and their interaction have added complexity and cost to new homes.”
Mr Keating said regulatory complexity is contributing to declining productivity in the construction sector and slowing the delivery of new housing.
“If we are serious about improving housing affordability and delivering the 1.2 million homes target, the regulatory system must support supply rather than working against it.”
HIA’s submission calls for a number of key reforms including - simplifying code provisions, move the code to a 5-year amendment cycle to provide builders with stability and certainty, make all referenced Australian Standards free, improve usability of the NCC, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden and create clearer pathways for adoption of AI, innovation and modern construction methods.
The association is also calling for the Australian Building Codes Board to be strengthened, with clearer governance and resources to ensure the NCC operates as a truly national code.
“Housing affordability cannot be an afterthought when developing building regulation, the NCC must return to its core role as a clear, technical minimum standard that ensures safe homes while allowing the industry to deliver housing efficiently and affordably.
“The NCC is only one part of the broader regulatory framework affecting housing supply, but it is an important piece of the puzzle.
“It’s time for a genuine overhaul to deliver a modern code that works for the way housing is delivered, supports innovation and ultimately helps more Australians achieve home ownership,” concluded Mr Keating.
For more information, please contact:
Shane Keating, Executive Director Building Policy 0408 301 517
Preventing Pipe Failure Starts Below Ground
The HIA has been advised that due to an increase of plumbing audit inspection failures, from the 1st of September, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) will be further policing non-compliance in the installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage pipework, namely the bedding of sanitary drainage pipes.
Senate Inquiry must focus on delivering more housing, not more reports
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the establishment of the Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry into social housing, describing it as an important opportunity to identify the reforms needed to deliver more housing of all forms at scale and address the bottlenecks holding back housing supply broadly.
New home sales decline for the third consecutive month
“Sales of new homes declined for a third consecutive month in July, falling by 3.7 per cent as higher interest rates and policy uncertainty continued to weigh on consumer confidence,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.
National Skills Week: Showcasing diverse education pathways
HIA is proudly supporting National Skills Week this year by highlighting the construction industry’s many and diverse career opportunities.