Architectural news & editorial desk
Upon agreement of mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code, the Victorian Building Authority has welcomed the changes, saying it will ensure independence for people with disabilities within their own home.
The new standards will take effect in 2022, and were agreed upon at a National Building Ministers Meeting of Building Ministers last Friday. The Livable Housing Design Guidelines silver standards will ensure basic accessibility features are included in all newly constructed homes and apartments.
Under the changes, new homes will be required to include features such as step free entry, step free showers, ground level accessible toilets, structural reinforcements to support grab rail installation in bathrooms and for doorways and transitional spaces to allow ease of movement.
Victorian Building Authority
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has welcomed the adoption of mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code.
The new mandatory standards, which will take effect in 2022, were agreed upon at today’s National Building Ministers Meeting of Building Ministers, following Victoria’s advocacy.
Livable Housing Design Guidelinessilver standards will ensure basic accessibility features are included in all newly constructed homes and apartments.
The VBA’s Chief Executive Officer Sue Eddy said accessible housing should be available to everyone.
“This is a much-needed step forward both in Victoria and nationwide, allowing consumers a greater choice of where they live and easier access to support within buildings,” Ms Eddy said.
Australian Greens
The ACT Government has secured national reform to the National Construction Code, with all new homes built across Australia to include minimum accessibility standards.
At the national meeting of Building Ministers on Friday afternoon (30 April), the majority agreed to include minimum accessibility standards for residential housing and apartments in the National Construction Code 2022 based on the Livable Housing Design Guidelines silver standards.
Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti said she was delighted to have secured this national reform.
“This is a win for the community,” Minister Vassarotti said. “Modest but significant changes will mean housing built in the future will better meet needs. This is important not only for people with disabilities, mobility issues, or who are ageing. This reform is for all of us.
Australian Greens
The ACT Government wants to ensure every new residential is built to meet accessibility standards, not just in the ACT but across Australia.
At the upcoming meeting of all the nation’s Building Ministers, ACT Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti will call for mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code, so that all future homes, townhouses and apartments meet a threshold level of universal design.
“Imagine a world where every home is accessible or more easily adaptable for most people regardless of age, disability, background or other factors. That’s what universal design is about and it’s how we plan to build a better normal in Canberra homes,” Minister Vassarotti said.
Date Time
Building Stronger Homes third Roundtable
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and Master Builders Australia (MBA) will host the third Building Stronger Homes Roundtable at NSW Parliament House on Tuesday 20 April 2021.
The ICA and MBA convened the Roundtable series so both industries could lead the discussion on policy changes to make Australian homes more resilient.
The third Roundtable will focus on ways we can build new homes to better withstand extreme weather. The event will be attended by representatives from the property, real estate and architecture industries with guest speakers and panellists from the NSW Government, Standards Australia, Australian Building Codes Board, IAG and Sherridon Homes.