This week's industry focus examines leadership changes at the ABCB, regulatory updates affecting cladding compliance, sustainability initiatives in architecture, and the rising costs of building construction. Judith Blake steps into the role of interim CEO at the ABCB, bringing 30 years of public service experience to the position. Industry bodies are adjusting to the implications of NCC 2022 Amendment 1 for cladding compliance, while architects are advocating for higher standards to achieve a decarbonised built environment. Meanwhile, record high costs in new home construction and mixed signals in building approvals data present ongoing challenges to Australia's housing targets. Victoria extends stamp duty discounts for off-the-plan purchases, and the Productivity Commission revisits national occupational licensing to improve trade mobility across states.
INDUSTRY & REGULATION: LEADERSHIP & LICENSING UPDATES
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has appointed Judith Blake as interim CEO of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) from 12 May 2025
Judith brings 30 years of public service experience across industry and innovation roles, and will lead the ABCB through this transition while a permanent CEO is recruited.. Read more about her appointment here.
In Victoria, building industry groups are calling for a Parliamentary review of the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections), which aims to bolster consumer protections in the construction sector. Builders argue some proposed measures could adversely impact business, whereas consumer advocates insist the reforms are critical and should be passed without delay (This debate echoes long-running concerns in the industry about balancing consumer rights and regulatory burden.)
Nationally, Australia’s Productivity Commission is revisiting the idea of a uniform occupational licensing scheme for trades, to improve worker mobility across states The commission has put national licensing back on the table and is seeking public feedback on how a harmonised system could help address skills shortages and simplify interstate practice for professionals.
NB: These developments highlight the evolving regulatory landscape For insights on what such reforms mean for practitioners, DMN is hosting a webinar on the Government Reform Agenda on 3 June (see Events below).
BUILDING MARKET TRENS: COSTS, APPROVALS & POLICY
The cost of building a new house in Australia has just hit a record high, and experts warn there’s little chance of prices easing. Labour and materials costs surged during the pandemic and have not reverted, contributing to persistently elevated construction expenses. At the same time, the latest ABS data shows the number of dwellings approved fell by 8.8% in March (seasonally adjusted), with approvals for private houses down 4.5% and other dwellings down 15.1%. This one-two punch of soaring costs and sliding approvals suggests ongoing pressure on housing supply – a concern previously noted in Issue #13, which reported some home builders abandoning projects amid rising costs and delays
TIn response to housing affordability concerns, the Victorian government has extended its stamp duty discount for new builds by another year. Buyers of off-the-plan apartments, townhouses and units will continue to receive stamp duty concessions, as the Allan government seeks to stimulate demand for new housing construction. This move is intended to keep buyer interest high in the face of those record construction costs, and to help boost the pipeline of new homes in Victoria’s market. Industry observers will be watching closely to see if the incentive translates into an uptick in projects (and we will report on any outcomes in future issues)
Sustainability & Climate: Architects Lead on Decarbonisation
Australia’s architects are ramping up efforts to drive a decarbonised future in the built environment. The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) has launched its Architecture Industry Decarbonisation Plan 2025–2050 at the recent national conference in Sydney, outlining a collaborative roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions across the built environment. At the same time, architects are calling for stronger government action – including updates to the NCC to mandate embodied carbon measurement (via NABERS), requirements for allelectric and highly efficient buildings, and a 40% reduction in upfront carbon by 2030. AIA leaders describe this moment as a critical turning point for the industry, noting that with the right design and regulatory measures, the building sector (responsible for over a quarter of Australia’s carbon emissions) can reach net-zero while delivering healthier, betterperforming places.
(This builds on our Issue #13 coverage of emerging sustainability training and initiatives, reflecting a growing momentum towards greener design.)
Technology & Innovation: AI in Design Practice
A new global survey has revealed that nearly one-third of Australian engineers, architects, and urban planners are now using artificial intelligence (AI) tools on a daily basis. In fact, 32% of Australian respondents report incorporating AI into their work every day, and 85% at least every week – closely mirroring the global average.
Commissioned by sustainable development consultancy Arup, the research highlights how advanced AI technologies are being leveraged far beyond basic chatbots, from generative design software to data-driven city management platforms. Industry leaders note that this rapid uptake of AI is streamlining design processes and could lead to smarter, more efficient buildings and infrastructure. To keep pace with these trends, building professionals are looking to upskill in digital tools and workflows.
(If you’re keen on cutting-edge construction tech, consider joining the Future of Construction tour in Perth on 21 May, which will showcase innovative design technologies in action –see Events below.)
Major Projects: Housing Supply Expansions in Sydney &
Brisbane
In western Sydney, an already significant development near Penrith Station – the “Mayfair on Penrith” complex – is slated to grow even larger. Plans have been lodged to add four extra storeys and 144 apartments to the project’s tower, a move aimed at bolstering housing supply in what has been touted as a litmus test for solving the local housing crisis. This expansion would further increase the density around the transit node, delivering much-needed new dwellings in the area.
2025 DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL BUILDING DESIGN AWARDS
This year marks a significant milestone for the Design Matters National Building Design Awards as it will be the 30th running of this fantastic event.
The 2025 Awards will be particularly special as we remember Giselle Grynbaum, who singlehandedly launched the very first BDAs back in 1996. With Giselle's recent passing, this year's event will hold profound significance as we reflect on her legacy and the immense contribution she made to our community. We invite our whole DMN community to share in this special occasion with us.
Award entries close on June 20 so if you haven’t started your submission, now is the time! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your best work.
We invite you to join us for the Scotchman’s View Home Tour. As the 2024 National Winning Project by Design by AD, this tour will take you through all the details of the stunning project, set against a picturesque backdrop, followed by a relaxing lunch at a nearby pub Register for the tour here.
Ask a Planner: Navigating the new townhouse and low-rise code Part 2
Date: May 28
Time: 10:00-11:30AM AEST
Location: Online
Presenter: Ashley Thompson and Mel Ryan
Home Tour: 2024 BDA Winner 'Scotchman's View'
Date: May 29
Time: 10:30AM AEST
Location: Drysdale, VIC
Women of DMN Lunch - Northside
Date: 30 May
Time: 12:30PM
Location: Ascot Vale Hotel
JUNE
Government Reform Agenda: What does this mean for building designers?
Date: 3 June
Time: 2PM-3PM
Location: ONLINE
Presenter: Stevebn Baxas
Women of DMN Catch Up at NEXT DOOR 2
Date: Jun 6
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Next Door At Omar & the Marvellous Coffee Bird, Melbourne VIC 3185
Upskill for Whole of Home Masterclass
Date: Jun 10
Time: 04:00PM AEST
Location: Online
Presenter: Matthew Graham
Ask and Interior Designer | The Strategic Value of Interior Designers in Project Planning
Date: Jun 11
Time: 02:00 PM
Location: ONLINE
Upskill Now Masterclass (THERMAL)
Date: Jun 19
Time: 04:00PM AEST
Location: Online
Presenter: Matthew Graham
Date: Jun 20
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Contract Administration Workshop
Date: Jun 28
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
JULY
Hempcrete: Major inroads in the Australian hemp construction industry
Date: Jul 02
Time: 12:00PM AEST
Location: Online
Presenter: Klara Marosszeky
Protecting your bottom line: Debt recover strategies for design professionals
Date: 24 July
Time: 4:00PM (AEST)
Location: ONLINE
Presenters: Drew Laing and Caitlyn Hoey FirstRate5 LIVE: Model Class 2 Multi-Dwellings (v3.2)
AUGUST
Ask an Interior Designer: Designing from the inside out - The power of early interior planning
Date: 21 August
Time: 2Pm-3PM
Location: ONLINE
Presenter: Dominique Hunter
SEPTEMBER
DMN Member Dinner - Hobart
Date: 3 Sep
Time: 5:30PM
Location: 140 Cascade Rd, South Hobart
Tassie Member Breakfast - Hobart
Date: 4 Sep
Time: 8:00AM
Location: Brickworks Hobart Design Studio
Presenter: Wayne Gorman
DMN Member Dinner - Launceston
Date: Sep 4
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 140 Cascade Rd, Hobart
Building Practitioner Pre-Registration Course for VBA
Date: Sep 17
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
Contract Administration Workshop
Date: Sep 27
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
SOURCES IN THIS ISSUE
Australian Building Codes Board – “Meet our interim CEO, Judith Blake”
Architecture & Design – “NCC 2022 Amendment 1: What you need to know about cladding compliance”
Architecture & Design – “Environmental toll of Melbourne’s urban sprawl to be revealed at Triennale Milano”
The Sydney Morning Herald – “How the cost of building a new house just hit a record high”
The Age – “Stamp duty discounts for apartments extended by a year ”
Sourceable – “Builders call for Victorian legislation review”
The Fifth Estate – “Architects call for government to raise standards for a decarbonised built environment”
HVAC&R News – “National occupation licensing back on the table”
Australian Bureau of Statistics – “Dwelling approvals fall in March”
Build Australia – “Australian engineers rapidly integrate AI in design”
Penrith Press (Daily Telegraph) – “Plans to add four storeys, 144 apartments to tower complex”
The Urban Developer – “Deluca Adds Apartments to Carseldine Village Heart”
Stay connected with Design Matters National – visit our Events Calendar for all upcoming events, explore our CPD Resources for on-demand training, and check out the Design Matters National website for the latest news and member information.
