The National Construction Code (NCC) is currently the subject of a major review focused on the governance, structure and processes that underpin how it is developed and maintained.

The built environment has changed, and our regulatory settings need to keep pace with it. But this review will set the tone for safety, compliance and professional accountability for years to come, so we need to get it right.

The review, which goes to the heart of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and its role within Australia’s building regulatory framework, will help shape how future versions of the NCC are created, amended and supported.

That makes it essential to ensure the review is informed by the full breadth of industry expertise. Australia’s building industry is diverse – spanning residential, commercial, health, infrastructure, specialist refurbishment and regional construction. Any framework that governs how technical requirements are developed must be capable of serving all of these contexts, not just a subset.

If the review outcomes reflect only the interests of a narrow group, we may end up with a structure for developing future versions of the code or other policy-setting mechanisms that are incapable of addressing the needs of the whole of the building sector, serving the needs of only the noisy few who are motivating this review. That’s both inefficient and could compromise safety and increase costs for everyone involved.

Change is overdue, but must be balanced

The NCC is a performance-based, technical code. It governs everything from fire safety and energy efficiency to accessibility and structural integrity. Even small amendments can carry big consequences across the building lifecycle.

That’s why the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) is calling for balance. Our formal submission to the review raises concerns that a narrow subset of stakeholders may be exerting disproportionate influence, and that the process risks overlooking key compliance and enforcement realities.

We are not opposed to innovation, far from it. Modern methods of construction (MMC), prefabrication, and volume housing are all part of the industry’s future. But they cannot be the sole lens through which the NCC (and how it is developed) is reviewed.

AIBS has a long-established policy, Building Regulatory Reform In Australia, which describes our position on how the NCC should be developed, made available and used across the sector.

A whole-of-sector code needs whole-of-sector input

Most people outside the industry assume the code is a neutral document: evidence-based, independent and reliable. And mostly, it is. But any code is only as strong as the process used to create it.

We need perspectives from builders, building surveyors, engineers, architects, designers and regulators alike. They all have a role to play in shaping a practical, resilient and enforceable framework.

Building surveyors bring a critical perspective. We’re on the front line of compliance, interpreting and applying the NCC daily. We see where intent and implementation diverge, and where ambiguity creates risk. And we know what good regulation looks like when it’s built to last.

Don’t miss your chance to contribute.

A consultation process which closed on 27 February provided an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input into how the NCC is governed and developed. But engagement should not stop there. As the NCC continues to evolve, industry-wide understanding will be critical to ensuring reforms translate into consistent, practical outcomes on the ground.

AIBS is committed to supporting that understanding. Through our National Symposium, annual conference program and regular webinar series, we provide forums for informed discussion about NCC updates and broader regulatory reform. These events bring together practitioners from across the sector to explore technical changes, share implementation insights and strengthen collective capability.

The NCC is the backbone of Australia’s building regulations. Every amendment reshapes risk, responsibility and compliance across the sector.

Decisions made now will set the benchmark for safety, quality and consistency for years to come. That makes it essential to get the process right.

Changes to how the ABCB is structured and resourced will affect everyone. Let’s make sure it reflects all of us.

About Jeremy Turner, Technical & Policy Manager at AIBS:

Jeremy Turner has been Technical & Policy Manager at AIBS since 2016. With more than 25 years as an Accredited Level 1 Building Surveyor, he has brought extensive experience to AIBS after nearly two decades of prior voluntary service to the organisation.

Jeremy represents the profession on the Australian Building Codes Board’s Building Codes Committee, the Construction Product Alliance, Standards Australia committees and more. His expertise informs AIBS’s advocacy, regulatory submissions, and professional practice standards, making him a key voice in advancing safe, compliant buildings.

About the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS):

The Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) is the peak professional body representing building surveyors across Australia. With over 1,400 members nationwide, AIBS plays a vital role in safeguarding the built environment by promoting high professional standards, advocating for consistent regulation, and supporting the profession through accreditation, education, and professional development.

Recognised by governments, regulators, and industry as a trusted, independent voice, AIBS is committed to ensuring safe, compliant buildings for all Australians. Through its Professional Standards Scheme, accreditation program, and ongoing advocacy, AIBS leads the way in strengthening the profession and protecting consumer outcomes.