The NSW Government has introduced the Building (Approvals and Practitioners), a major overhaul aimed at simplifying approvals, increasing accountability and modernising the construction regulatory framework.
Some of the most significant proposed changes include 👇
🏡 Manufactured homes brought into the mainstream approval system
Manufactured homes would no longer require separate approvals under the Local Government Act 1993. Instead, they will be assessed under the same building approval and BCA compliance pathways as traditional buildings.
The reforms also introduce a new framework for prefabricated buildings, including mandatory declarations and installation guidance from manufacturers.
📋 A new approvals framework
Construction Certificates and Occupation Certificates are set to be replaced with:
✔️ Building Approvals
✔️ Completion Approvals
The proposed system would allow:
🔹 Staged approvals
🔹 Partial occupation approvals
🔹 A single approval authority appointed through the NSW Planning Portal
👷 Expanded practitioner regulation
The Bill also introduces a broader registration framework covering certifiers, engineers, designers and other key practitioners involved in “registered work”.
Enhanced compliance, enforcement and duty of care obligations are also proposed across the construction sector.
📢 While the reforms are significant, the NSW Government has confirmed that many provisions will not commence until supporting regulations are finalised, with further consultation still to occur.
These changes are likely to have a substantial impact on developers, manufacturers, consultants and approval authorities across NSW.
ADW Johnson Pty Ltd will continue engaging with industry and advocacy partners as the framework develops.
If you would like to understand how the proposed reforms may affect your projects or approvals pathway, our team is here to help.
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bills/Pages/bill-details.aspx?pk=18895