Bragg NCC plan puts spotlight on need to stop the regulatory escalator
HIA has welcomed Senator Andrew Bragg's push to reform the National Construction Code as part of the housing affordability debate. HIA CEO Simon Croft supports halting what the industry calls a 'regulatory escalator'.
HIA welcomes Senator Andrew Bragg putting National Construction Code reform squarely at the centre of the housing affordability and productivity debate - Simon Croft, HIA Chief Executive – Industry &…
Will National Construction Code reforms finally cut red tape and lower building costs?
Builders and tradespeople across all trades face rising compliance costs from NCC updates. Regulatory reform could reduce construction costs and ease project delivery burdens.
Key takeaways
- HIA backs Senator Bragg's push to make NCC reform central to the housing affordability debate.
- The 'regulatory escalator' refers to ongoing NCC changes that keep raising compliance costs for builders.
- Slowing or pausing NCC updates could reduce construction costs and boost housing supply.
- No specific policy changes have been announced yet — this remains a political and industry discussion.
Related
Construction needs an effective enforcer not a paperwork obsession
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) warns that proposed national construction standards and new procurement rules miss the mark. It says the measures land hardest on home builders and argues for an effective enforcer rather than more paperwork.
Why it matters: Home builders and small residential contractors could face extra compliance paperwork and procurement requirements, adding admin time and cost to jobs without necessarily lifting building quality.
Potential Commonwealth Standards for the Construction Industry
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says it backs a lawful, safe, productive and sustainable construction industry and has long called for structural reform. It says the consultation on potential Commonwealth standards proposes several measures it is concerned about.
Why it matters: Commonwealth standards could add new compliance requirements for builders and subcontractors across residential construction. The article gives no detail yet, so the practical impact on trades is unclear.
Secure Australian Jobs Framework
The article argues that residential building and its supply chains should be exempt from the Secure Australian Jobs Framework and any related procurement obligations. It says government effort should go towards improving productivity instead.
Why it matters: Builders and the trades working in residential construction could avoid extra procurement obligations and compliance work if the exemption is granted. Otherwise, supply chain and tendering requirements may change.