The National Construction Code’s goal has shifted from structural and fire safety to encompass liveability, accessibility, sustainability and adaptation, the Housing Industry Association says, calling for a “knock-down rebuild” of the guide.

While many changes were well intentioned, the cumulative impacts have added complexity and cost to new homes, it has told a consultation on modernising the NCC.

Significant changes have proceeded despite negative cost-benefit assessments, and the cost of building housing has risen 150% in 25 years, the association says.

State and territory ministers agreed on a code revamp at last year’s Economic Reform Roundtable, saying it would help build more homes, faster.

The HIA says the code should move to a five-year amendment cycle to remove “the churn of change” and provide certainty, stability and consistency for industry.

Regulatory complexity is contributing to declining productivity in the construction sector and slowing the delivery of new housing, according to association executive director of building policy Shane Keating.  

The submission also calls for unnecessary state and territory variations to be reduced.

Key recommendations include making all referenced Australian Standards free, improved usability of the NCC, work to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, and creating clearer pathways for AI adoption, innovation and modern construction methods.

Find more details on the consultation here.