Regulatory Framework
The National Construction Code
The National Construction Code (NCC) is produced and maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) on behalf of the Australian Government and each State and Territory Government.
The NCC is a uniform set of technical provisions for building work and plumbing and drainage installations throughout Australia whilst allowing for variations in climate and geological or geographic conditions. The NCC comprises the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Volume One and Two; and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), as Volume Three.
How the NCC is Administered
The National Construction Code (NCC) is given legal effect by relevant legislation in each State and Territory. This legislation prescribes or "calls up" the NCC to fulfill any technical requirements which have to be satisfied when undertaking building work or plumbing and drainage installations.
Each State's and Territory's legislation consists of an Act of Parliament and subordinate legislation which empowers the regulation of certain aspects of building work or plumbing and drainage installations, and contains the administrative provisions necessary to give effect to the legislation.
Administrative provisions typically covered in the enabling or subordinate legislation include—
- Plan submission and approval procedures
- Issue of permits
- Inspections and audits
- Provision of evidentiary certificates
- Issue of certificates
- Review and enforcement of standards
- Fees and charges