February 2026
Strengthening the Code
Why NCC modernisation matters
Australia’s National Construction Code is the foundation for safe, sustainable and consistent building practices. While the Code is national, its implementation isn’t always consistent – but a new project could change that.
The Australian Government’s vision for the National Construction Code, or NCC, is a regulatory system that is streamlined, easy to navigate and cost effective, while upholding high standards for building quality and safety. The Modernising the National Construction Code project aims to align that ambition with how the Code is developed, implemented and used.
The Productivity Commission has found the growing volume of regulation imposed by all levels of government, including through the NCC, has weighed on construction productivity and contributed to building costs.
Following the Economic Reform Roundtable in August 2025, Building Ministers collectively agreed to pause further residential changes to the NCC, and to work together with industry to simplify and streamline the Code.
For Consult Australia, this pause is an opportunity to lift performance and reduce complexity, especially for smaller companies.
“Consistent implementation of the Code is essential, not just for safety and quality of buildings, but because it gives businesses the confidence and certainty to operate effectively across jurisdictions,” says Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations, Kristy Eulenstein.
“This project is a rare opportunity to reset how the Code works in practice. We can reduce confusion, cut unnecessary complexity and support businesses of all sizes that design and build under it.”
Four functions that matter
Modernising the National Construction Code will examine four areas: governance and process; complexity and regulatory burden; useability and accessibility; and innovation and housing diversity.
Consult Australia’s submission is clear that modernisation will only succeed if the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is empowered to do four things well:
1. National leadership: With the right in-house capability and resources, the ABCB is best placed to lead conversations as the trusted national voice for NCC development, reform and rollout.
2. National coordination: Different state and territory approaches to NCC implementation have created fragmentation and uncertainty. National coordination led by the ABCB would bring clarity and consistency, and a more efficient national market.
3. Research-led development: NCC changes should be underpinned by robust research on risks, costs and market impacts. The ABCB can lead this research, ensuring updates are evidence-based, well timed and implemented.
4. Education and support: Many small and medium-sized businesses struggle to interpret and apply NCC changes. The ABCB can offer practical guidance through case studies and targeted training programs to make compliance simpler and fairer.
Why this matters now
“Businesses in the built environment are being asked to do more than ever – deliver more homes, respond to climate risk and lift quality all at once. Modernising the NCC is one of the most practical levers governments have to reduce friction and lift performance,” Kristy says.
“For Consult Australia, the next step is active engagement: working with governments, regulators and industry to ensure the modernisation process delivers a Code that works for everyone.”
Check out Consult Australia’s latest submissions.