Commonwealth, state and territory building ministers have agreed to make climate resilience a specific objective of the Australian Building Codes Board from next year.

The move paves the way for the 2028 National Construction Code to include requirements that new homes are built to withstand worsening extreme weather – something the Insurance Council of Australia has long pushed for.

If the code introduces new standards on building resilience, this could drive down soaring home premiums.

“Our homes should be built to last a lifetime, so they need to be able to withstand intensifying cyclones, more severe bushfires and worsening flooding,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said.

“Insurance prices risk and unless we reduce long-term risks through strengthened homes, there will continue to be pressure on premiums.”

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