Housing industry insights
Advocacy & policy
News & inspiration
Support & guidance
Member perks
Industry insurance
For your business
Apprentices
Building it right
Building materials & products
Managing your business
Managing your safety
Building your business
Other subjects
A rewarding career
Study with us
A job in the industry
Grow with us
Our podcasts
Our initiatives
Get involved
Awards
Awards winners
Industry events
Most popular products
Top categories
For your business
{{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
New rules add thousands to the cost of a new home as Tasmania falls years behind on housing
From today, every new home built in Tasmania must meet the full Livable Housing Design requirements. The Housing Industry Association says this adds thousands of dollars to the cost of building a home, at a time when Tasmanians can least afford it.
Rules for managing the risk of falls have changed - are you up to date?
Changes to Western Australia's requirements for managing the risks of falls will commence on 1 October 2026, introducing new expectations for builders, contractors and workers undertaking tasks where there is a risk of falling.
Livable Housing Design: final stage now in force
As of today, 1 October 2026, all new building work in Tasmania, unless exempt, must comply with all requirements of Part H8 Livable Housing Design of NCC Volume Two.
ACT housing approvals slump puts 2030 target under pressure
“The ACT’s housing supply pipeline is weakening, with building approvals in the three months to August halving compared with a year earlier,” said HIA Executive Director ACT and Southern NSW, Geordan Murray.