Performance Solutions, Access & NCC Compliance Updates
This section shares practical insights, regulatory updates and commentary relating to performance solutions, access compliance and NCC interpretation. Drawing on real project experience, we publish guidance intended to assist builders, designers and building practitioners in navigating approvals, access requirements and performance-based compliance pathways.
31/03/2026
29/07/2025
8/04/2024
NCC 2025 Victoria: Key Changes, Start Date & What You Need to Know
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 will officially commence in Victoria on 1 May 2026, introducing a range of regulatory changes that will impact designers, builders and consultants across the industry. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released a preview edition in February 2026 outlining key national updates; however, this version does not include Victorian-specific variations and additions, which will ultimately determine how the NCC is applied in practice. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of lead-free plumbing requirements, which will apply from the commencement date with no transition period. From 1 May 2026, plumbing products containing copper alloys and intended for use in drinking water must not exceed a weighted average lead content of 0.25%, requiring immediate compliance across all applicable installations.
Victoria will also reduce its state-based variations from 115 under NCC 2022 to 60 under NCC 2025, reflecting a broader shift toward national consistency and a reduction in regulatory complexity. Importantly, Victoria will retain the use of expert judgement as a valid assessment method for structural and fire safety performance solutions, despite its removal at a national level, maintaining flexibility for practitioners dealing with complex or non-standard designs. Additional updates include revisions to children’s services provisions to better align with the National Quality Framework and reduce regulatory burden, as well as the relocation of certain technical requirements from the Building Regulations 2018 and Plumbing Regulations 2018 into the NCC, improving accessibility and reducing fragmentation across multiple documents.
Collectively, these changes are intended to provide clearer and more consistent requirements, streamline compliance pathways and maintain high standards of safety and consumer protection. Given the immediate application of some provisions and the broader implications for design, documentation and approval processes, early familiarisation with NCC 2025 will be essential to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
NCC 2022 Amendment 2, which came into effect on July 29, 2025, aligns the National Construction Code (NCC) with the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards). The primary change is the adoption of AS 1428.1:2021, Design for access and mobility, replacing the 2009 edition. This amendment ensures consistency with the Access Code under the Premises Standards, which outlines accessibility requirements for public buildings.
A DDA / Access Performance Solution, in the context of Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the National Construction Code (NCC), is an alternative way to demonstrate compliance with accessibility standards when a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) solution isn't feasible or practical. It involves using a tailored, performance-based approach to achieve the required accessibility outcomes. This allows for flexibility, innovation, and tailored design solutions that still meet the intent of the legislation.
Originally planned to take effect on 1 October 2023, The Victorian Government had declared an extended transitional period for the implementation of the NCC 2022's new living housing requirements. These requirements will now be active as of 1 May 2024.
The new living housing requirements will aim to help increase the stock of Australian housing that is adaptable and better able to meet the needs of older people and people with mobility limitations.
The livable housing design requirements apply to all new Class 1a and Class 2 buildings. If you are extending or renovating an existing home, you’ll need to follow your state/territory requirements for whether or not the works need to comply with the new NCC.
https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2023/Livable-Housing-Design-Standard-2022-1.3.pdf
