Opposition pushes stripped-down building code to speed affordable homes, faces criticism over safety and equity

The Coalition’s housing plan, led by Senator Andrew Bragg and Angus Taylor, seeks to trim the 2,200-page National Construction Code to a concise “mandatory core” that guarantees structural integrity, fire safety and basic amenities. Energy-efficiency and accessibility measures would become optional, a move framed as giving buyers flexibility but criticised by the Australian Institute of Architects, ACOSS and disability advocates as potentially raising long-term utility costs and limiting inclusivity.

Young potential buyers like Maya Sabattini view cheaper homes as appealing, whereas peers such as En-mei Miao doubt the approach will address broader supply and vacancy challenges. Industry bodies including Master Builders and the Housing Industry Association welcome the simplification for speed and cost, while the Grattan Institute warns that true affordability hinges on balancing supply and demand, not just cutting construction expenses. The proposal highlights a clash between deregulation ambitions and concerns over housing quality and equity.