In a win for HIA members, the NSW Government announced that it has deferred proposals for a single standalone Building Act in NSW. Instead, the NSW Government will pursue a more measured and targeted set of changes designed to support recent planning reforms and increase productivity ahead of any consolidation of building legislation.

HIA strongly opposed the proposed Building Bill because of the scale of the changes, potential impacts on industry, inadequate consultation and lack of detail. This change in approach is welcomed and is a significant win for members and the advocacy efforts of HIA.

The new, more modest ‘Building Productivity Reforms’ will instead make amendments to existing legislative instruments to:

• Create a clearer framework for modular and prefabricated buildings,
• Streamline building certification,
• Remove duplication between building and planning legislation,
• Enhance certifier accountability and conflict of interest provisions, and
• Digitise certificates of trade work, including for plumbing and electrical trades.  

Proposals from the Building Bill relating to licensing, contracts, insurance and compliance and enforcement are not proceeding at this time.

Consultation on the revised ‘Building Productivity Reforms’ is expected to occur early in 2026 before the Draft Bill is presented to Parliament. HIA will continue to be actively involved in the development of the revised Bill. View a copy of the NSW Government’s media release.