Architects across Australia have raised serious concerns about the Federal Opposition’s plan to freeze building code changes for ten years.

In its latest announcement, the Australian Institute of Architects says it has serious concerns about Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s plan to place a 10-year freeze on changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) if the Liberal-National Coalition is elected to government in 2025.

Jane Cassidy, President of the Australian Institute of Architects, says that the freeze is an alarming move.

“Our profession is dedicated to the ongoing improvement and unified adoption of the NCC by all states and territories in Australia,” Cassidy said.

“This standard is crucial for safeguarding average homebuyers entering into 30-year loans and to preserve the certainty of investment in home ownership.

“The NCC, which all states and territories sign up to in their building legislation and regulation, is revised every three years and establishes a minimum requirement for all Australian buildings. Next year’s release is set to include stronger provisions to prevent condensation, mould, leaks, and to improve structural resilience against wind, storms, and earthquakes.

“The Coalition clearly has not looked at both sides of the balance sheet when quoting the increased costs of producing better performing homes and apartments with fewer defects.”

Cassidy’s comments follow last month’s announcement by the Coalition of its $5 billion plan to construct more than 500,000 homes if elected to government next year.

As part of that plan, the Coalition has said that it would freeze further any changes to the NCC for ten years.

The National Construction Code is a set of technical requirements for the design and construction of buildings in Australia.

It covers the minimum standards for safety, health, accessibility, sustainability, and amenity.

As things stand, the Code is updated every three years in a process which involves extensive stakeholder consultation and changes being signed off by Commonwealth and state building ministers.

Few details about the Coalition’s proposed freeze have been given.

However, the Coalition has argued that the freeze will provide certainty to the industry.

But the change has raised concern that any of the abandonment of the three-year updating cycle would prevent the Code from responding to important matters regarding building safety, comfort, accessibility and sustainability.

Cassidy noted a 2021 study by the Australian Building Codes Board, which estimated building defects in 236,000 Australian dwellings in 2022 cost nearly $2 billion.

“State and territory governments are urging the use of modular and offsite building for greater efficiency in housing. However, the NCC needs comprehensive provisions, including three-yearly reviews, to support this innovation and avoid a legacy of faulty homes,” Cassidy said.

“We understand the challenge of meeting housing quotas, but quantity can’t come at the expense of quality — homeowners and investors need confidence in durable, lasting assets.”

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