The legislative change aims to give home builders more certainty. Photo: Homes Tasmania, Tasmanian Government.
The Tasmanian Government has introduced legislation designed to cut federal red tape and reduce costs for builders and home buyers.
The Building Amendment Bill 2026 aims to reduce red tape and extra costs due to changes to the National Construction Code and prevent delays in the construction of new housing across Tasmania.
Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs Guy Barnett said the bill would provide a more stable environment for the home construction sector.
“We’re standing up for consumers and industry by stopping federal red tape and costly changes being imposed on Tasmanians,” Mr Barnett said.
“Our government has worked closely with industry to block Canberra’s unnecessary and constant changes on the building industry.
“We are taking a sensible, balanced approach — making sure we can build the homes we need now, while planning carefully for the future.”
The ultimate goal is to allow builders to deliver more homes for Tasmanians faster, mirroring the efforts of other states such as Queensland to streamline the process of home building by cutting approval wait times and regulations.
Tasmania’s Government argues that many builders are negotiating layer upon layer of complex regulatory law rather than building the homes that Tasmanians need.
The move is supported by the state’s industry, including the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Tasmania.
HIA executive director Ben Price said the government’s reform was nation-leading and gave builders greater certainty.
Master Builders Tasmania CEO Jenna Cairney said pausing new residential code changes would save builders money. She hoped it would also result in more homes being built.
