Engineers Australia’s Head of Advocacy Caitlin Buttress attended the Federal Building Minister’s industry dialogue meeting to discuss updates to the National Construction Code (NCC) for 2025.  

In 2025 updates to the code are proposed for energy efficiency, waterproofing, condensation management, electric vehicle pre-provisioning, car park fire safety and more. You can see the full list of proposed updates on the NCC website.  

At the meeting the changes were broadly supported by Engineers Australia, the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council and other attendees. Minister for Industry and Science Hon Ed Husic MP was present at the meeting to hear industry expertise. 

There was wide acknowledgment of the challenges introduced by NCC 2022 for the construction industry compounded by COVID-19 and supply chain issues. There was a suggestion for a slower roll out for NCC 2025, ensuring all code settings are refined prior to implementation. 

Engineers Australia raised concerns around the removal of ‘expert judgement’ from structural and fire safety provisions. We gave feedback to highlight the importance of including that term. 

Ms Buttress fed back Engineers Australia’s appreciation of the Australian Building Code Board’s intent to reduce subjectivity and ensure the desired level of public safety when assessing structural performance solutions 

Minister Husic reiterated the goal of making NCC 2025 a model for federalism and committed to addressing feedback raised at the meeting. A report will be delivered to the Building Ministers Meeting, with further ABCB advice expected by the end of the year. Keep an eye out for further updates in Engineering News in the new year. 

Earlier in the year Engineers Australia provided a submission to the NCC public consultation, informed by member feedback.