Policy Snapshot - October 2023

New standards for home

On 1 October, NSW was the first state to implement updates agreed by all jurisdictions in the National Construction Code 2022. A transition period is in place, but adopting the new standards today means householders can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, efficient, sustainable home that will stand the test of time, sooner rather than later.  

While more work needs to be done to ensure homes are fit for the future, the new changes are a step in the right direction.  

Webinar to help local government close the performance gap

If we are to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, we must ensure that buildings comply with the performance standards they are designed to deliver, from minimum standards in the National Construction Code (NCC), to higher benchmarks such as NABERS and Green Star.          

To support governments in learning strategies to close the performance gap, NABERS and GBCA are hosting a free webinar on 19 October focused on ‘Closing the performance gap’.

Electrifying Victorian homes at scale

The Victorian Government has launched a $10 million Residential Electrification Grants program which allows companies providing installations to more than 50 new or existing homes to apply for rebates. The program aims to accelerate electrification of homes at scale and builds on the $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program. 

Providing policy input for a better built environment

GBCA contributes to federal, state and local government and industry consultations. We have recently provided input to a Senate Inquiry into residential electrification and will be contributing to consultations currently open for South Australia’s next 20-year state infrastructure strategy and Australia’s future gas strategy.