Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter
10 June 2020
Honourable John Quigley MLA
Attorney General; Minister for Commerce
5th Floor, Dumas House
2 Havelock Street
WEST PERTH WA 6005
Dear Minister Quigley
FOLLOW UP: EXTENSION OF TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS TO NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE 2019
We write to follow up on our letter of 6 May 2020, drawing the Western Australian Government’s attention to the broader consequences of delaying the introduction of National Construction Code 2019 for a further 12 months.
We wish to inform you that the WA Chapter of the Institute of Architects, Green Building Council of Australia, Energy Efficiency Council, Think Brick and Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating have also now joined our coalition representing WA members in calling for the Western Australian Government to re-consider its decision to extend the delayed introduction of NCC-2019 by a further 12 months.
This brings a total of 15 organisations representing hundreds of affected Western Australian manufacturers, fabricators, professional service providers and members of the community.
The Government has recently outlined a significant stimulus package for WA residential builders by supporting first home buyers and social housing projects, which is commendable.
However, to the effect that these buildings will in many cases be built to a superseded 2016 National Construction Code is not supported. It is concerning that the 2016 loopholes for residential building energy efficiency will prevail. Also concerning is the fact that the deferral of the 2019 Code will lock in poor fire safety and energy efficiency outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged and fiscally restricted members of our community in first home buyers and social housing occupants.
Minister, we urge the Western Australian Government to reconsider the delay in implementing the NCC2019 to a more reasonable timeframe of not more than 6 months at the very most and to make NCC2019 a design and construct requirement for all first home buyer subsidies, social housing tender contracts, public funded health, education and civic projects for the reasons outlined above and in our original submission.
To date, little is publicly known about the delay as it has not been widely promoted. A decision to walk back the transition delay from 12 months to not more than 6 months would be publicly applauded by at least the 15 organisations listed above.
Should you wish to discuss the matter further with our Perth based representatives, we would ask you to contact either Michelle Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter WA (CEO@shelterwa.org.au / 0419 931 819) or Scott Gibson, Chairman, Insulation Australasia (Scott.Gibson@kingspan.com / 0419 951 201) who will be able to arrange such a meeting via videoconference.
Yours sincerely
Suzanne Toumbourou, Executive Director, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
James Cross, Deputy Chairperson, Australian Building Sustainability Association (WA)
Clinton Skeoch, CEO, Australian Glass and Window Association
Peter Hobbs, WA Chapter President, Australian Institute of Architects
Tony Gleeson, CEO, Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating
Elizabeth McIntyre, Group Chief Executive Officer, Think Brick Australia, Concrete Masonry Association of Australia, Australian Roofing Tile Association
Rodger Hills, Executive Officer, Building Product Industry Council
Luke Menzel, CEO, Energy Efficiency Council
Davina Rooney, CEO, Green Building Council Australia
Scott Gibson, Chairman, Insulation Australasia Trade Association
Francesca Muskovic, Policy Manager – Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs, Property Council of Australia Michelle Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter WA
Louise Giolitto, Chief Executive Officer, Western Australian Council of Social Service
