The Building Commission is currently considering the creation of a technical advisory committee for the purpose of considering and providing advice on technical building matters and queries regarding the requirements of building legislation, the Building Code of Australia (BCA), and related Australian Standards. The committee will be named the Building Rules Advisory Committee (BRAC). The...

From 8 April 2016 new roof-mounted evaporative coolers being installed on residential buildings that are located in a designated bush fire prone area must be fitted with non-combustible covers. The Building Commission has produced a new fact sheet Roof-mounted evaporative coolers to explain the risks and requirements. For further information please contact the Building Commission on 1300 489 099...

The State Government has announced reforms for building in bushfire-prone areas of Western Australia. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has prepared a map which identifies the bushfire-prone areas across the State. A bushfire hazard assessment will be required for new homes in areas identified as bushfire-prone on the map. The assessment will determine the level of construction...

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) has told a recent Senate inquiry into non-conforming building products that a wide range of imported goods and materials used in the building industry has been found to contain asbestos. Last year, cement compound board imported into the Australian Capital Territory from China was found to contain chrysotile asbestos and in New South Wales an...