Public Comment Draft | ABCB

National Construction Code Public Comment Draft

Public consultation is a crucial part of the National Construction Code (NCC) development process.

The National Construction Code is updated every 3 years in response to emerging issues, industry research, public feedback and government policy direction between publishing cycles.

During the NCC Public Comment Draft (PCD) consultation process, the ABCB shares a list of proposed changes for the next edition of the NCC. A draft version of the updated NCC is provided to the public for review and feedback.

The consultation period allows people with industry knowledge and expertise to provide feedback on potential impacts of the changes, and the best way to implement them.

Read more about this public consultation process in The NCC Public Comment Draft article.

How to provide feedback on suggested changes

The NCC Public Comment Draft is available on our Consultation Hub and will be open for feedback until 11:59 pm AEST 1 July 2024. Feedback will only be accepted through the Consultation Hub. Submissions must relate only to proposed changes.

Key proposed changes to the next edition of the NCC

The articles below provide detailed information about each of the significant amendments proposed for the next edition of the National Construction Code.

PCD 2025 - Improving fire safety Performance Solutions

These changes will enhance the robustness of Performance Solutions, leading to increased fire resistance and safer buildings for occupants.

Man triggering fire alarm

PCD 2025 - Adequate toilets for women

These changes aim to reduce the waiting time to access female toilets at theatres, cinemas, and similar venues during peak times, reducing concerns with discomfort and timely accessibility.

Toilet sign on wall

PCD 2025 - Improvements to plumbing provisions

These changes aim to improve plumbing and drainage provisions. These changes will clarify the provisions and make the NCC easier to use.

Plumbing tools and pipes

PCD 2025 - Apartment energy efficiency - centralised heated water systems

These changes will make it easier for apartment buildings with centralised heated water systems to comply with the NCC.

Apartment building

PCD 2025 - Assisting future electrification and EV charging in homes

These low-cost options will make it easier to replace gas appliances with electrical appliances in houses and to support the uptake of EVs.

Image of electric charging station

PCD 2025 - Re-entry from fire-isolated exits

These changes aim to improve safety and signage to minimise the risk that a person becomes trapped in a fire-isolated exit, resulting in safer fire-isolated exits from buildings.

Fire exit near stairwell

PCD 2025 - Hybrid photoluminescent exit signs

These changes will accommodate hybrid photoluminescent exit signs and facilitate their adoption through the DTS pathway, making it easier to comply with the NCC.

Photoluminescent exit signs

PCD 2025 - NCC Referenced documents

The changes aim to ensure the NCC remains current and reflects current industry practice. These changes will result in benefits for both the Australian construction industry and the public.

Person selecting virtual 'standards'

PCD 2025 - Fire hazard properties

These changes aim to improve the requirements for fire hazard properties of a building material, component, or assembly by streamlining testing procedures, reducing costs and lead times.

Two people talking

PCD 2025 - Use of an Accredited Testing Laboratory

These changes will increase testing robustness, resulting in improved product conformity assurance and safety of buildings.

Image of accredited testing laboratory facility

PCD 2025 - Housing energy efficiency - thermal breaks

These changes aim to clarify existing thermal break requirements in the NCC for roofs and walls to make it easier to comply.

Image of metal roof truss

PCD 2025 - Alternative referenced documents

These changes offer a new way of facilitating industry uptake of referenced documents and innovation by providing industry with additional ways of demonstrating compliance with the NCC.

Hand clicking on 'standards'

PCD 2025 - Condensation mitigation

These changes aim to better manage the risk of condensation in the residential parts of some buildings, improving people’s health outcomes and reducing building rot in modern buildings.

Close view on water drops

PCD 2025 - Improving structural Performance Solutions

These changes aim to address the issues stemming from the absence of quantified Performance Requirements for structural components.

Structural facade of a building

PCD 2025 - Improving waterproofing and water shedding provisions

These changes aim to reduce the incidence of building defects caused by poor sub-surface water management.

White building with square balconies

PCD 2025 - Carpark fire safety improvements

These changes aim to address the fire-related risks associated with modern carparks, such as increased vehicle size, fuel load, new fuel sources and changes in the way we store vehicles.

Large multistorey underground car park

PCD 2025 - Commercial building energy efficiency

These changes aim to reduce emissions, providing cost-effective fuel and technology neutral ways for buildings to move to a net zero future.

Solar panel outside of commercial building

Draft NCC volumes and Housing Provisions

During the NCC Public Comment Draft consultation process, the ABCB shares a list of proposed changes for the next edition of the NCC. A draft version of the updated NCC is provided to the public for review and feedback. View the Public Comment Draft documents on Consultation Hub and also on this page, underneath the key changes articles.