Coalition proposal to drop energy standards for new homes sparks backlash over cost of living

The Coalition intends to strip compulsory energy-efficiency and accessibility measures from the National Construction Code, reducing the document to roughly 80 pages and keeping only basic safety standards. Opposition housing spokesperson Andrew Bragg described the plan as a “cost-of-living timebomb” that would deepen inequality, while Liberal treasury spokesperson Tim Wilson suggested people could simply wear jumpers in winter instead of improving housing quality.

The Energy Efficiency Council warned that mandatory standards keep homes affordable to run, and the Australian Council of Social Service warned renters could face soaring energy bills. Industry groups claim past code changes added between $3,600 and $33,000 to new-home costs, yet government analysis finds raising the minimum energy rating would increase capital costs by less than 1 %. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said the government has paused code changes and is working with states to simplify the system.