Discussion paper: Draft National Building Product Assurance Framework - A Response to the Building Confidence Report

Overview

In 2017, Building Ministers commissioned an independent expert examination of systemic problems affecting compliance with the National Construction Code(NCC). The resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) made 24 recommendations for a best practice model for compliance and enforcement, to strengthen effective application of the NCC.

Recommendation 21 of the BCR is that: Building Ministers agree a position on the establishment of a compulsory product certification system for high-risk building products.

Following initial analysis by the BCR Implementation Team, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) advised Building Ministers that a compulsory scheme for high risk building products may not address the compliance issues identified in the BCR. Building Ministers subsequently agreed to consider “a holistic package of measures to provide a reliable conformity assessment framework, including product conformance information, particularly where those products are used in complex buildings.”

In response to this, the BCR Implementation Team has prepared a discussion paper to aid in the development of a National Building Product Assurance Framework. The Framework seeks to address the problems associated with building product safety. 

The paper explores a number of areas for reform and seeks your views on the current problems and proposed solutions.

You can access the discussion paper below or download a copy at the bottom of this page.

Why your views matter

The discussion paper explores a number of areas for reform and seeks your views on the current problems and proposed solutions.

Feedback received via the consultation survey will shape the final National Building Product Assurance Framework.

Providing comment

Comments are open until 11:59PM AEST Sunday 6 June 2021. Only comments submitted using the online form will be considered.

A preview of the consultation form is provided below.

What happens next

The BCR Implementation Team appreciates your feedback.

Following your feedback to the discussion paper, the final proposed National Building Product Assurance Framework will be presented to the Australian Building Codes Board for its consideration.