Commonwealth, State, and Territory Building Ministers convened on October 24, 2025, to announce a significant pause and streamlining of the National Construction Code (NCC). This decision includes defining the content and timing of the upcoming 2025 edition of the NCC, referred to as NCC 2025, and making key appointments to the Australian Building Code Board (ABCB).
During the meeting, Building Ministers addressed the Commonwealth’s announcement from August 24, 2025, which stated that no further residential changes to the NCC would occur until mid-2029. This pause will only allow essential quality and safety measures to be implemented before the finalization of NCC 2025. The consensus among the ministers highlighted that this decision aims to enhance productivity in residential construction and increase the availability of new homes.
By pausing further changes, Building Ministers believe they can create a more stable environment for the construction industry. This stability will enable builders to invest confidently in workforce development and innovation. The ministers clarified that the exemption would apply only to critical issues that cannot be deferred, while other proposed amendments will be postponed.
Collaborative Efforts for Future Improvements
The Building Ministers recognized this pause as a timely opportunity for collaboration among various jurisdictions and the construction industry. They discussed potential improvements and modernization of the NCC, focusing on creating a regulatory framework that supports faster housing development.
The streamlining initiative is expected to promote greater national harmonization while also accommodating state- and territory-specific regulatory changes. After reviewing recommendations from the ABCB, ministers agreed to include necessary adjustments in NCC 2025. These adjustments are anticipated to enhance building quality and safety for future occupants and owners.
Importantly, ministers confirmed that no additional residential changes would be made in NCC 2025, apart from essential safety and quality updates. As a result, voluntary provisions related to embodied carbon will be published as guidance from the ABCB, while changes regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging and residential energy efficiency will not be introduced at this time. This decision maintains the high energy efficiency standards from NCC 2022, which includes a 7-star energy efficiency rating.
NCC 2025 is scheduled for publication on February 1, 2026, with states and territories able to consider adoption starting from May 1, 2026. Each jurisdiction will determine whether to implement NCC 2025. Notably, Tasmania has indicated it will pause the implementation of specific NCC 2025 measures.
Key Appointments within the ABCB
In addition to discussions about the NCC, Building Ministers reappointed Ms. Penny Cornah as a representative for the plumbing industry on the ABCB. They also extended the term of Ms. Glenys Beauchamp as Chair of the ABCB for an additional twelve months. The ministers acknowledged that Ms. Beauchamp’s expertise and corporate knowledge are vital for maintaining continuity within the ABCB during this ongoing modernization process.
The outcomes of this Building Ministers’ Meeting signal a concerted effort to enhance the regulatory framework governing construction in Australia, promoting a more efficient and responsive approach to building regulations.
