HIA calls for overhaul of National Construction Code to speed housing delivery
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Photo by Mikael Blomkvist
The Housing Industry Association has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the National Construction Code, warning excessive regulation and complexity are slowing the delivery of new homes across Australia.
In its submission to the consultation on streamlining and modernising the NCC, HIA set out a suite of reforms aimed at simplifying the code, reducing red tape and supporting innovation in home building.
HIA executive director of building policy Shane Keating said the review presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset the code so it better supported housing supply, productivity and affordability.
“It has become increasingly difficult to build a home in Australia. Builders want to be on site delivering homes for Australians, not buried in paperwork trying to navigate a regulatory maze.”
HIA’s submission highlighted the expansion of building regulation over time, with the NCC now more than eight times longer than when it was first introduced and referencing almost twice as many supporting standards.
“Over decades the NCC has grown layer upon layer of new objectives and requirements. What began as a technical code focused on issues like structural integrity and fire safety has expanded into a much broader policy tool,” said Mr Keating.
“Many of these changes are well intentioned, but the cumulative impact and their interaction have added complexity and cost to new homes.”
Mr Keating said regulatory complexity was contributing to declining productivity in the construction sector and slowing the delivery of new housing.
“If we are serious about improving housing affordability and delivering the 1.2 million homes target, the regulatory system must support supply rather than working against it.”
HIA’s submission called for a range of reforms, including 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 NCC’s usability, reducing unnecessary regulatory burden, and creating clearer pathways for the adoption of AI, innovation and modern construction methods.
The association also called for the Australian Building Codes Board to be strengthened, with clearer governance and resources to ensure the NCC operated as a truly national code.
“Housing affordability cannot be an afterthought when developing building regulation, 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.
“The NCC is only one part of the broader regulatory framework affecting housing supply, but it is an important piece of the puzzle.
“It’s time for a genuine overhaul to deliver a modern code that works for the way housing is delivered, supports innovation and ultimately helps more Australians achieve home ownership,” concluded Mr Keating.