Keeping up with the code

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking input on a draft model for continuing professional development on the National Construction Code.

The Building Confidence Report (BCR) recommended that each jurisdiction require all practitioners to undertake compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) on the National Construction Code (NCC).

In response, the BCR Implementation Team has developed draft national model guidance to assist governments and industry in regulating and delivering nationally consistent CPD on the NCC. It is intended that CPD on the NCC be mandatory for all registered building and plumbing practitioners.

The draft model incorporates input from an experts panel, an industry CPD working group, and governments. It is based on six principles:

• CPD on the NCC is compulsory
• The amount, type and expiration of CPD on the NCC is regulated
• CPD on the NCC is evidence-based and is complemented by ethics CPD
• Transparent and consultation-based CPD on the NCC
• Evidence and records of CPD on the NCC are retained
• CPD on the NCC is oversighted

Responses to the consultation questions will inform the final national model guidance to be considered by Building Ministers in late 2021. Governments and industry will then consider implementing reforms to CPD based on the agreed national model guidance.

Submissions are open until September 3, 2021.

To read the discussion paper and provide feedback, click here.