Dutton Pledges 10-Year Freeze on Construction Code Changes to Boost Housing Supply

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled a bold housing policy that aims to address Australia’s housing crisis by freezing changes to the National Construction Code for a decade. The move, he argues, would reduce construction costs and stimulate housing supply.

However, critics warn that the proposal could come at the expense of energy efficiency, safety, and liveability in new homes.

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The Proposal: Cutting Costs, Boosting Supply

Dutton’s plan focuses on halting additional requirements in the National Construction Code for energy efficiency, safety, and amenity standards. By keeping regulations unchanged for 10 years, the Opposition claims this freeze will provide certainty for developers and lower construction costs, encouraging more homes to be built.

“Freezing the code would give builders and buyers a break from rising costs, allowing us to address the housing shortage more effectively,” Dutton stated.

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The Trade-Off: Quality vs. Affordability

While the proposal aims to make housing more affordable, experts argue that freezing the code could compromise the long-term quality of homes.

• Energy Efficiency: Delaying updates risks locking in outdated standards that could increase energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Safety and Amenity: Without improvements, homes may fail to meet evolving safety and accessibility needs.

Climate advocates have also criticised the plan, stating that energy-efficient homes are critical in reducing Australia’s carbon footprint.

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Housing Supply: A National Challenge

Australia’s housing crisis demands urgent solutions, with high prices and limited availability affecting millions. However, policies prioritising short-term cost savings over long-term benefits could create additional problems for future generations.

The construction sector has also expressed mixed views. While many welcome the cost relief, others fear a freeze could stifle innovation and diminish the global competitiveness of Australian housing standards.

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