The Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026 (Bill) proposes a major overhaul of New South Wales’ building approvals regime. Aimed at resolving long-standing inefficiencies, the Bill seeks to streamline approval processes and clarify how construction projects are executed from design through to completion.
The Bill was introduced to NSW Parliament on 6 May 2026 and was passed in the Legislative Assembly on 28 May 2026. If the Bill is enacted as it currently stands, it will introduce critical changes to the existing development certification framework. It aspires to replace construction certificates (CCs) and occupation certificates (OCs) from the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EP&A Act) with a modernised building approvals and completion approvals system. As part of the Minns Government’s broader housing accessibility agenda, the reforms also aim to strengthen consumer confidence by elevating standards and accountability for industry practitioners.
Key provisions
New approvals regime
The Bill replaces the existing CC and OC framework with a new and modernised system of building approvals and completion approvals. It also facilitates staged approvals, which enables building approvals to be varied with the consent of the relevant approval authority, allowing greater flexibility throughout project delivery.
Consolidation of building legislation
The Bill consolidates various aspects of the existing building regulatory framework, including requirements currently contained in the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) (DBP Act) and the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 (NSW), into a single legation framework/piece of legislation. The reforms seek to improve consistency and simplify compliance obligations across the sector.
Single registration regime and expanded oversight
Part 4 establishes a consolidated registration framework for persons carrying out “registered work”. Registration holders will hence be subject to insurance requirements, codes of conduct, notification obligations and disciplinary oversight. The Bill also creates offences for carrying out unauthorised registered work and strengthens the Secretary’s powers to suspend, cancel or otherwise regulate registrations, with the aim to ensure greater accountability, competency and professionalism across the building industry.
Recognition of modern construction methods
The Bill formally recognises prefabricated buildings within the approvals framework and introduces specific compliance requirements for manufacturers, including prefabricated building declarations and supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable standards.
Statutory duty of care preserved
Part 8 of the Bill largely preserves the statutory duty of care currently contained in the DBP Act. Persons carrying out construction work, including certain building product manufacturers and suppliers, will continue to owe a duty to take reasonable care to avoid economic loss caused by building defects. The duty remains owed to both current and subsequent owners and cannot be contracted out of.
What this means for the industry
The Bill seeks to improve efficiency through streamlining approval pathways. If passed, developers, builders and approval authorities may benefit from shorter approval timeframes.
Industry participants should also expect increased scrutiny from regulators, greater accountability for registered practitioners and a continued focus on compliance with the National Construction Code.
Next steps for developers
While commencement is anticipated from 2027, developers and practitioners should begin reviewing their compliance systems, registration requirements and approval pathways to ensure they are well-positioned for the potential transition.
The full Bill may be accessed here.
We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill. Should you require any further information regarding the proposed reforms, please contact member of Addisons’ Construction & Infrastructure team.