Australian Industry Group applauds the efforts of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and all jurisdictions extending the period during which existing WaterMark certified products can be installed, to 1 May 2028.
"This is an early Christmas present for an industry facing millions of dollars of losses from stock write offs," said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, Australian Industry Group.
"We are engaged in supporting a coordinated national approach to policy and regulation across the building sector and have held discussions with state building ministers and the Commonwealth to work toward consistent implementation settings, reflecting industry's need for clarity and practical transition arrangements.
"These efforts occur against the backdrop of Australia's ambition to deliver 1.2 million new homes in five years—an objective complicated by regulatory fragmentation.
"Plumbing product suppliers have faced delays linked to certification bottlenecks, accelerated implementation timelines and disrupted supply chains. We have consistently highlighted these challenges and advocated for workable frameworks that prevent unnecessary cost and waste across the sector.
"Throughout this period, the ABCB has worked hard to bring jurisdictions together and maintain the integrity of the National Construction Code. Its commitment in the plumbing sector to harmonised lead-free requirements and a coordinated implementation pathway reflects the critical role the ABCB plays in balancing public health priorities with the practical realities faced by manufacturers, suppliers and installers," Mr Willox said.
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