Accessible housing is under threat in Queensland, with a recent report from the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) recommending that the government opt-out of the livability standards in the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC).
Some years ago, the NCC incorporated a new standard, the “Livable Housing Design Standards”, based on a framework developed by Livable Housing Australia. The intention of these standards is to support ‘universal design’: making housing more suitable and future-proof for people with disability, an ageing population, or people who may experience a temporary mobility limitation. Specific measures in the standard include:
- step-free access and entry,
- wider doors and corridors,
- increased circulation space in toilets and bathrooms,
- a step-free shower, &
- reinforced walls in case grab rails need to be installed in the future.
Benefits of these standards include increased inclusion and community connection for people with disability. When people can live in a home that is suitable for their needs, they enjoy more autonomy and participation, with less need for paid support. It also means people are less likely to enter aged care prematurely, or have a delayed discharge from hospital because their housing is unsuitable.
The standards have now been in effect in Queensland since 2023, and are in effect in all other jurisdictions, except for WA and NSW.
However, the QPC’s interim report on their inquiry into construction sector productivity said that Queensland should opt-out of the standards, making them voluntary. This is euphemistic language that hides the fact that doing so would mean virtually no new homes will be accessible, worsening the exclusion of people with disability in an already stretched housing market.
The Building Better Homes Campaign is working with partners in Queensland to make sure that the Queensland government maintains the existing livability standards. The QPC is accepting submissions in response to their interim report until 28 August 2025. We will be making a submission, and we encourage other organisations and individuals to do so as well. If you would like any assistance or advice with making a submission, please get in touch.