Coalition plan to scrap energy rules for new houses condemned as ‘cost-of-living timebomb’
Summary
The Coalition plans to remove mandatory energy efficiency rules for new homes in Australia, aiming to reduce building costs by simplifying the construction code. Critics warn this could raise energy bills for residents and increase inequality by making homes less comfortable and more expensive to run.Key Facts
- The Coalition wants to cut the National Construction Code from over 2,000 pages to 80 pages.
- They propose removing requirements beyond basic safety, making energy and accessibility standards optional.
- Advocates say this change could cause higher energy bills and worse living conditions for renters.
- The Energy Efficiency Council says minimum standards keep homes safe, comfortable, and affordable to run.
- The Australian Council of Social Service warns removing standards would increase household costs and deepen inequality.
- Industry groups say energy efficiency rules have increased building costs by $3,600 to $33,000.
- Government studies show raising energy ratings slightly increases building costs by less than 1%.
- The Coalition suggests states should set their own building codes due to different regional conditions.
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