Days after standing behind Peter Dutton, the property lobby has backed away from one of his housing policies
The property industry lobby has confirmed it does not support a key part of the Coalition’s housing policy, despite its CEO standing alongside leader Peter Dutton to announce it.
Mr Dutton announced the opposition’s $5 billion housing policy on Saturday, which included a 10-year freeze on changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) to reduce unnecessary “red tape.”
The opposition leader was joined by the building industry’s top lobbyists for the announcement in Perth, prompting him to declare the policy had “the blessing and endorsement from every major stakeholder in the housing industry in this country”.
But Property Council of Australia CEO Mike Zorbas, who was among the group, has now told the ABC he does not support a freeze on changes to the NCC.
“The Property Council has long supported the regular review and interstate coordination benefits of the National Construction Code,” he said.
The ABC understands there were some raised eyebrows in the industry when it appeared Mr Zorbas backed a freeze on changes to the NCC, which is regularly updated with rules for building safety and amenity.
Mr Zorbas has also clarified his position in an opinion piece on the council’s own website, writing that he welcomed the Coalition’s $5 billion investment — but remained in favour of reviewing the code.
“I still remember my first ever boss, and national president, the great Jim Service AO, was a chair of the Australian Building Codes Board which administers the NCC,” he said.
“There will be thoughtful advocacy agreements and disagreements in the next eight months for us with the government, the opposition and the minor parties and independents.”
The NCC sets the minimum standard for buildings in Australia, with requirements for safety, amenity, accessibility and energy rating standards.
It is reviewed and updated every three years.
The opposition said its requirements add $60,000 to the cost of a new build, but the Australian Glass & Window Association says the average cost to upgrade new homes in major Australian cities to 7-star energy ratings is closer to $5,000.
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn also stood alongside Mr Dutton for his announcement, and later released a statement saying she backed a freeze limited to “unnecessary” changes to the code.
“A pause on unnecessary code changes that increase cost and complexity without meaningful improvements in standards is a positive step,” Ms Wawn said.
Mr Dutton has been contacted for comment.
The Coalition said its policy would unlock 500,000 new homes, mostly in new greenfield housing developments, by investing in water, sewage, power and road infrastructure.
