NCC pause not as disruptive as first feared

When news broke of the Economic Reform Roundtable’s decision to pause updates to the National Construction Code, many expected a longer freeze as recommended by some stakeholders.

The reality, however, was less extreme. NCC 2025 – which mainly includes updates for commercial buildings – will be finalised, and then further residential changes will be paused until the end of the National Housing Accord period (mid‑2029).

The freeze excludes essential safety and quality changes, and it maintains the residential standards adopted in 2022, including 7‑star energy efficiency.

While this pause is under way, the government says it will streamline the NCC through further consultation with stakeholders, including examining AI to improve useability of the NCC, removing barriers to the uptake of modern methods of construction, improving development of code provisions, and considering the appropriate frequency of future NCC updates.

Industry reaction

An industry coalition of 15 leading industry, consumer and community organisations has welcomed the decision to implement NCC 2025 and to reaffirm the higher residential standards introduced in 2022.

The group includes ASBEC, the Property Council of Australia, the Green Building Council of Australia, the Energy Efficiency Council and the Facilities Management Association of Australia. They are calling for:

• Swift and uniform implementation of NCC 2025 across all jurisdictions
• A clear national plan for ongoing NCC updates, aligned with emissions reduction commitments, climate resilience and community safety expectations
• Adequate resourcing for the Australian Building Codes Board to maintain strong standards
• Support for the building sector, trades and supply chains to meet new requirements at scale and least cost
• Full and consistent implementation of NCC 2022 across all jurisdictions.

ASBEC CEO Alison Scotland says the news is positive.

“Having a clear national plan for ongoing NCC updates – aligned with emissions reduction commitments, climate resilience and community safety expectations – provides certainty and confidence for consumers, businesses and financial institutions.”

GBCA CEO Davina Rooney says that nationally consistent construction code updates are the foundation of better, healthier buildings.

“Every time we strengthen the code, we cut bills, improve comfort and create long-term value for Australians. The commitment to deliver NCC 2025 is a vital step forward, and now we need to ensure momentum continues.”

AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng has also greeted the announcement warmly.

“The announcement gives us a path forwards,” she says. “After all the work that has been done to develop NCC 2025 – and new versions of standards such as AS 1668, that are called up in the code – we are pleased it will be published. Of course, we also need the states and territories to adopt it consistently and we will be advocating strongly for this to happen.”

Photo by Don Ricardo on Unsplash

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