04 Mar 2026
We are asking for stronger governance and a more modern, streamlined code for all. A policy update with Shay Singh, Head of Policy GBCA.
Last year, I said that while there will be a pause to the residential sector updates to the National Construction Code (NCC), our work advocating for a modern and streamlined code would not. It is our opinion that the NCC remains one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Australia, but it must continue to evolve with us.
We have been longstanding and constructive participants in the successive reviews and updates to the NCC, contributing technical expertise and policy insight through formal submissions and consultation processes. This consultation period has been no different.
We consistently support evidence-based reforms that improve Australia’s building performance outcomes, which is why last week we made a submission to the Australian Government’s consultation on modernising and streamlining the NCC. Our purpose is to lead the sustainable transformation of the built environment, and so our key priorities for the NCC evolution are founded in a strong need for efficiency, resilience and long-term economic outcomes.
The key priorities include:
- Strengthening governance arrangements while ensuring there is continuity, stability, and forward momentum toward the next edition of the NCC in 2029. We consider current Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) funding levels to be insufficient to meet current and future expectations, and the GBCA calls for appropriate funding to be committed to ABCB without delay.
- Governance arrangements should reinforce the NCC’s role as a national productivity reform as they support consistent adoption and implementation across jurisdictions.
- Ministers should continue to lead strategic direction and agree on nationally significant regulatory outcomes. Ministers should be supported to make credible and well-informed decisions through access to independent, evidence-based advice that is protected from short-term political or jurisdictional pressures.
- A regular update cycle should be retained, with flexibility to address critical issues where needed
- The regulatory impact analysis could be strengthened to be more effective and robust, and to better reflect whole-of-life affordability, including long-term household, community and economic outcomes in a changing climate.
- The NCC can be better aligned with climate resilience and energy and emissions policy objectives to support occupant health and safety, reduce long-term risk exposure and enhance the durability and performance of Australia’s built environment.
I was happy to see that the ACT became the first jurisdiction to announce its plans to adopt NCC 2025. This edition of the NCC was agreed upon by Australia’s Building Ministers in October of last year, an event we welcomed. The NCC 2025 preview has been published, and jurisdictions can follow in the footsteps of the ACT and choose to adopt it from 1 May 2026. While the ACT has announced its assumption of the code from this date, the territory has implemented a transition period – making compliance with NCC 2025 optional until 1 November 2026.
Our work supporting the transformation of the code does not end with submissions. We will continue to work closely with the ABCB, governments and industry stakeholders to support an NCC that evolves in a way that provides regulatory certainty, encourages innovation and enables the delivery of better buildings that are resilient and more aligned with Australia’s long-term economic, environmental and social goals.