October CEO Update - Judith Blake

On 22 October, Building Ministers met to discuss several topics including the timing and content for NCC 2025, along with the pause and streamlining of the National Construction Code (NCC). Building Ministers also considered and approved Board appointments.

This month, the ABCB has continued work on various initiatives including the voluntary scheme for prefabricated construction. We have also published guidance for practitioners that clarifies location requirements for manual controls for power-operated hinged doors in NCC 2022 (Amendment 2) and AS 1428.1:2021.

At the Building Ministers' Meeting on 22 October, ministers agreed to publish NCC 2025 by 1 February 2026. State and territories can consider adoption from 1 May 2026; however, adoption of the NCC is a matter for each jurisdiction.

Building Ministers agreed to include the following changes in NCC 2025. 

• Water management in commercial and apartment buildings to prevent water ingress
• Carpark fire safety provisions for commercial and apartment buildings to prevent water ingress
• Commercial energy efficiency reforms including efficiency improvements and mandatory on-site solar photovoltaic systems to support net zero ambitions
• Condensation mitigation. 

While new energy efficiency provisions will not be included in NCC 2025, the 7-star energy efficiency requirements adopted in NCC 2022 will be maintained. 

The ABCB welcomes these decisions and will now focus on the rollout of NCC 2025. We will also continue to refine new education materials ready to publish with NCC 2025. These resources will support the understanding and application of NCC changes. 

Also at the October 2025 Building Ministers' Meeting, Building Ministers agreed there is potential to improve and modernise the NCC. The agreed scope for the work includes how to streamline the NCC and the use of AI to improve useability. This streamlining effort will consider how to reduce regulatory burden and improve how the ABCB develops NCC provisions. This work will also look at how to remove barriers to the uptake of modern methods of construction. 

Building Ministers agreed to extend Glenys Beauchamp’s position as Chair of the ABCB by 12 months and to reappoint Penny Cornah as the plumbing industry representative. 

We look forward to continuing our work with the Board as we deliver the NCC and other valuable projects. 

Read the full Building Ministers’ Meeting Communiqué (October 2025).

There is an inconsistency between the location requirements for manual controls for power-operated hinged doors in NCC 2022 (Amendment 2) and 'AS 1428.1:2021 Design for access and mobility' (AS 1428.1:2021). 

In most cases, the NCC overrules any difference between the NCC and a referenced document (see A4G2). However, in this instance, the requirements of AS 1428.1:2021 prevail because they are referenced in the Access Code for Buildings (Access Code) made under Commonwealth law. 

We have published an article that explains the requirements. Learn more in NCC clarification: Manual controls for power-operated hinged doors in NCC 2022 (Amendment 2). 

Regards, 

Judith