HIA calls for ‘knock-down rebuild’ of NCC

In its submission to the consultation on streamlining and modernising the NCC, the HIA argues that excessive regulation and complexity is slowing the delivery of new homes across Australia.

The paper puts forward changes that the HIA says would simplify the code, reduce red tape and support innovation in home building.

HIA Executive Director of Building Policy Shane Keating says the review offers a chance to reset the code to better support housing supply, productivity and affordability.

“It has become increasingly difficult to build a home in Australia,” Keating says. “Builders want to be on site delivering homes for Australians, not buried in paperwork trying to navigate a regulatory maze.”

The HIA says its submission highlights the dramatic expansion of building regulation over time, pointing out that the NCC is now more than eight times longer and references almost twice as many supporting standards as when it was first introduced.

“Over decades the NCC has grown layer upon layer of new objectives and requirements,” Keating says. “What began as a technical code focused on issues like structural integrity and fire safety has expanded into a much broader policy tool.

“Many of these changes are well intentioned, but the cumulative impact and their interaction have added complexity and cost to new homes.”

What’s in the submission

The HIA’s submission calls for several reforms:

• Simplifying code provisions
• Moving the code to a five-year amendment cycle to provide builders with stability and certainty
• Making all referenced Australian Standards free
• Improving the usability of the NCC
• Reducing unnecessary regulatory burden
• Creating clearer pathways for the adoption of AI, innovation and modern construction methods
• Strengthening the Australian Building Codes Board, 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,” Keating says. “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.”

AIRAH’s position

AIRAH has also provided feedback to the NCC consultation, identifying opportunities for streamlining sections of the code.

“Overall, AIRAH is a firm supporter of an NCC that is implemented consistently and is updated regularly with input from industry.”

AIRAH’s submission is available at the AIRAH website.

Image courtesy of Welcomia via Freepik

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