URGENT UPDATE: The future of housing in Australia hangs in the balance as officials push for a critical reform of the national construction code. This comes amid rising concerns that a proposed freeze on updates could exacerbate the ongoing housing crisis. The latest discussions unfolded at a government-led economic reform roundtable attended by key leaders from politics, business, and civil society.
Presenting the urgency of the situation, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel emphasized that installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers during construction is not only more cost-effective but essential for accommodating the growing number of EV drivers. “If we don’t have those sorts of sensible ideas incorporated into code on a regular basis, we’re just loading up additional costs and additional burdens on the occupants of those buildings down the track,” he stated.
The roundtable, which concluded on October 26, 2023, saw Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirm that his government is committed to “reducing complexity and red tape” in the construction code. This measure aims to accelerate the building of homes and apartments, which are urgently needed to meet the demands of a burgeoning population.
However, the implications of freezing code updates, which typically occur every three years, have raised alarms among various stakeholders. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil has suggested a temporary hold on updates but distanced herself from a previous coalition policy advocating a decade-long freeze. “The balance we are trying to strike is how to maintain high standards, but not create, effectively, a moving target for builders,” she explained during an interview with ABC TV.
The Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Association support a freeze, with the latter’s CEO Denita Wawn calling for a pause on “non-essential” changes, including energy efficiency requirements, until mid-2029. This is especially concerning as Australia aims to construct 1.2 million new homes during the Housing Accord period, a target already at risk of falling short.
Critics warn that a halt in code updates could neglect vital energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. Cass Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, voiced strong opposition to the freeze, highlighting the potential negative impact on low-income households that may struggle with future home retrofits for climate adaptation.
The urgency of these reforms is underscored by the pressing need for sustainable housing solutions, especially in the face of ever-increasing temperatures and rising energy costs. Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO of Solar Citizens, echoed this sentiment, stating that renters and apartment owners are already largely excluded from accessing clean energy solutions and efficient electric homes.
Architect Dick Clarke believes there are opportunities to simplify the construction code without compromising high standards. “The construction code is overly complex, but it doesn’t need to be as complex to maintain high standards,” he asserted, stressing the importance of reducing energy waste as a means to enhance household budgets and productivity.
As the debate unfolds, officials recognize that homes must increasingly interact intelligently with the evolving electricity grid to align with national climate goals, which aim to reduce reliance on emissions-intensive coal power. Menzel warns, “If you don’t have buildings playing nicely on the grid, that means you need to build more network infrastructure, you need to build more generation infrastructure, and that pushes up prices for all Australian businesses and households.”
With the clock ticking, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the government’s next steps on the construction code. As discussions continue, the urgency for actionable solutions to the housing crisis remains at the forefront of national priorities, with every decision carrying profound implications for the future of Australian homes. Share this urgent news to spread awareness and join the conversation on housing reforms!
