Accessibility Standards for Housing

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has published the submissions to the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) on the introduction of accessibility standards for housing in the National Construction Code (NCC).

The responses can be found here.

Submission

In our submission, Shelter WA urged for the introduction and implementation of accessible housing standards that go beyond a minimalist approach. Western Australian households require homes that are fit for purpose and designed with safety, amenity, inclusion and accessibility in mind for all ages and stages of life.

Shelter WA recommended to:

  • Revise the cost-benefit analysis to reflect the long-term positive social outcomes and benefits that could be realised through the introduction of accessible housing standards in the NCC.
  • Introduce an accessibility standard into the NCC, reflecting the Livable Housing Design Guideline (LHDG) Gold Standard, which is applicable to all new Class 1a and Class 2 buildings.

Following up from the submissions, the ABCB is intending to hold workshops to find technical solutions to some specific problems with the focus on finding workable solutions.

Shelter WA will continue to push for the introduction of accessible housing standards to become business as usual and enable the provision of housing that is accessible and tailored to people’s needs and circumstances.