The Building and Plumbing Commission has released details of the Victorian Appendix changes for NCC 2025, with the amended provisions to take effect in Victoria on 1 May 2026.
For Victorian practitioners, this is an important step in the lead-up to commencement. The updated Appendix reduces the number of Victorian variations and additional clauses from 115 to 60 across the three volumes of the NCC.
The BPC has also published a series of tables to help users understand the changes, setting out what is new, what has changed, and what has been removed.
What has been released
The information published by the BPC is organised across four key sections:
- governing provisions and definitions applying across all three NCC volumes
- Volume One
- Volume Two
- Volume Three
This format provides a practical starting point for building surveyors, inspectors, council officers and other practitioners who are beginning to review the likely impact of the changes ahead of commencement.
VMBSG members can access the Victorian Appendix information here:
Victorian Appendix changes for NCC 2025
An important note on wording
One important note included with the BPC material is that the final wording will be published in NCC 2025. While the wording may differ from the tables currently available, the intent of the clause is expected to remain the same.
That means the published tables are helpful for early review and preparation, but the final published NCC 2025 will remain the definitive source.
ABCB updates as publication approaches
The Australian Building Codes Board has also provided further updates as work continues toward publication of NCC 2025 on 1 May 2026.
Among the updates announced by the ABCB are:
- four live NCC 2025 webinars to be held between 25 and 30 June
- a new homeowners section on the NCC website
- continued work on the Modernising the NCC project
The ABCB has noted the importance of clarity during transition periods, as well as the need for education and guidance to support consistent and compliant application of the NCC.
The NCC website can be accessed here:
National Construction Code website
New homeowner guidance now available
The ABCB has introduced a new homeowners section on the NCC website to explain, in more practical terms, how the NCC applies in common residential building situations.
Although this content is directed at homeowners, it may also be useful for practitioners to be aware of the information available to the public, particularly where clients or customers are seeking guidance about responsibilities, common building features, and what is or is not covered by the NCC.
Modernising the NCC project continues
The ABCB has also advised that the public consultation period for the Modernising the NCC discussion paper has now closed.
The next phase of the project will involve targeted stakeholder workshops to explore issues raised through consultation, test possible reform options and refine proposed directions. Feedback from both consultation and workshops will inform the final report, which is expected to be provided to Building Ministers later this year.
Further information is available here:
What this means for practitioners
With 1 May 2026 now approaching quickly, these updates give Victorian practitioners a valuable opportunity to begin reviewing the available material and planning for transition.
For municipal building surveyors and others working across regulation, compliance and enforcement, early familiarity with the amended Victorian Appendix — along with broader national updates from the ABCB — will help support a smoother move into the new NCC edition.
VMBSG encourages members to review the published information and keep an eye out for further guidance, education opportunities and webinar details as they become available.