Australian ministers agree on directions for national building-code reform
An October 16 joint ministerial communiqué sets out proposed work to simplify Australia’s National Construction Code and improve consistency in housing construction.
What the record says
Commonwealth, state and territory ministers agreed to pursue clearer code language, improved digital delivery, review of jurisdictional variations and more consistent pathways for safe innovative products and construction methods. The Australian Building Codes Board will begin preliminary work with jurisdictions and industry.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Follow the official code-development and consultation processes for implementation details.
Limits and what is not established
The communiqué sets reform directions and preliminary work. It does not establish that a replacement code is already in force or that promised housing supply increases have been delivered.
Sources checked October 16, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
Australian Treasury: original information