Consultation Hub

Consultation is the cornerstone of the Australian Building Codes Board's (ABCB) commitment to maintaining a contemporary and relevant National Construction Code (NCC). The consultation process also relates to our CodeMark and WaterMark product certification schemes. This hub is a place for you to find and participate in consultations that interest you.

Consultations will be displayed below once available. Alternatively, you can search for consultations by keyword or interest.

Open Consultations

  • Discussion paper: National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners

    The Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) authorised an assessment of the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the building and construction industry across Australia. The resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) highlighted shortcomings in the implementation of the National... More

    Closes 23 August 2020

  • Consultation RIS: Proposal to include minimum accessibility standards for housing in the NCC

    Ways to provide your feedback You can provide your feedback on the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) by either: Completing the online consultation form and answering the questions outlined within, or by uploading a separate submission via Question 36 (within the... More

    Closes 31 August 2020

  • WaterMark Complement to AS 4775

    For Public Comment Complement for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This WaterMark Complement is for use under the WaterMark Certification Scheme and is to be used in addition to the requirements of AS 4775 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment. This WaterMark Complement... More

    Closes 2 September 2020

  • WMTS:530 - Water meters with integral shut off valve

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Technical Specification sets out requirements for water meters with integral shut off valve for installation into existing property service valves. The meters covered by this Technical... More

    Closes 9 September 2020

  • Definition for building complexity

    The defined term for 'Building complexity' has been developed in response to a decision of the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) that a definition be prepared regarding the design, construction and certification of complex buildings. This work has been undertaken by the Building Confidence... More

    Closes 1 November 2020

See All Open Consultations

Closed Consultations

  • WMTS:040-2020 (Round 3) Public Consultation

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme In undertaking resolution of the previous public comments substantial changes were identified which required redrafting. The ABCB wishes to consult again on the proposed changes to WMTS-040 prior... More

    Closed 5 August 2020

  • WMTS-528 - Plate heat exchangers | Public Comment (Round 2)

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This proposed new Technical Specification, WMTS-528 Plate heat exchangers, sets out requirements for plate heat exchangers which are used in heated water supply systems. These heat exchangers may be... More

    Closed 24 July 2020

  • Reporting on the auditing of commercial buildings

    The Building Confidence Report (BCR), published in 2018, identified there were regulatory and compliance deficiencies in the regulatory oversight of the construction of commercial buildings (Class 2 – 9 buildings) in Australia. Recommendation 7 of the BCR is: That each jurisdiction makes... More

    Closed 14 July 2020

  • Discussion paper: Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors

    Recommendation 10 of the Building Confidence Report (BCR) by Peter Shergold and Bronwyn Weir recommended the establishment of a nationally consistent code of conduct for Building Surveyors. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has agreed to the release of a draft Model Code of... More

    Closed 24 April 2020

  • Consultation RIS: Process for the development of Performance Solutions

    In September 2019 the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) sought views from stakeholders on how Performance Solutions are currently prepared and if they are consistent with the intent and objectives of the National Construction Code (NCC). The feedback from this survey has been used to... More

    Closed 22 March 2020

See All Closed Consultations

We Asked, You Said, We Did

Here are some of the issues we have consulted on and their outcomes.

We Asked

We asked for your feedback about a proposal to ensure that all building and plumbing Performance Solutions are developed and documented using an appropriate, nationally-consistent process by mandating the process contained in the ABCB’s ‘Development of Performance Solutions’ guideline.

You Said

We received 51 responses to the proposal.

Some of you raised concerns that the process would be too onerous for simple Performance Solutions, and that the problem lies with poor enforcement rather than poor regulation. Many believed the number of Performance Solutions used in commercial buildings was under estimated in the Consultation RIS. 

We Did

We clarified the rigour of the proposed process was designed to be commensurate with the complexity of the solution. We assessed the potential for better building outcomes and higher confidence in the building regulatory system under higher rates of use of Performance Solutions and contemporary examples of failure.

We Asked

For feedback about supporting practitioners to use the FSVM to inform our approach to future education needs.

You Said

We received 123 responses, almost half having watched the FSVM webinar. Here is some feedback about what you want:

  • More and simpler guidance in different online formats.
  • Cover applying the FSVM and include worked examples and case studies.
  • Links to training.
  • More opportunities to ask questions during webinars.

We Did

We are scoping additional materials and training to support the FSVM. From early 2020, we are looking to work with industry to provide:

  • More technical advice to use the FSVM in different formats (i.e. online resources, webinar)
  • Frequently asked questions and answers about the FSVM
  • Articles about the FSVM.

We Asked

For your comments on approach and possible technical changes to the energy efficiency provisions for NCC 2022.

You Said

You raised several important issues about what was proposed in the Scoping Study. These covered matters of public policy, current situation, practitioner concerns, and technical aspects of the proposed changes for residential and commercial energy efficiency.

We Did

We have documented and responded to as many of your concerns as possible within this Outcomes Report. We will now use these insights to inform the next steps in the ABCB’s Energy efficiency project.