Measures in the 2026/2027 Federal Budget to stimulate housing supply show that housing must be fast to build, affordable to live in and resilient to a changing climate, says the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
GBCA Chief Executive Officer Davina Rooney stated that the Budget reflects a growing recognition that housing affordability is not only about the purchase price of a home, but also the long-term cost of living in it.
“As Australia works to accelerate housing supply, we have an opportunity to ensure new homes are efficient, climate resilient and ready for a net zero future.”
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, GBCA
Several key Budget measures signal continued momentum towards more efficient, resilient and future-ready homes and buildings.
The GBCA stated that the release of the Built Environment Sector Plan (BESP) late last year, alongside an $85m package supporting programs such as NABERS, NatHERS and Commercial Building Disclosure, had already established important foundations for the next phase of Australia’s housing and decarbonisation agenda.
“The Built Environment Sector Plan recognised that better buildings are central to Australia’s economic and climate future. The challenge now is scaling delivery.”
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, GBCA
Measures in the Budget include better buildings and lower household costs, alongside $97.2m over five years to implement the National Consumer Energy Resources Roadmap; including establishment of a National Technical Regulator to help households benefit from solar, batteries and electric vehicles supporting the grid.
$4.5m over four years is being set to improve the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme and another $2bn in enabling infrastructure to support new housing developments, according to the GBCA.
“Consumer energy resources are becoming an increasingly important part of how Australians manage household energy costs and participate in the energy transition. Smarter, more flexible homes can also play a major role in strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the energy system.
“Efficient homes aren’t just about energy. Water efficiency also plays an important role in reducing long-term household costs and strengthening resilience in a changing climate.
“As Australia builds more homes, we also need to ensure communities are supported by the infrastructure required for long-term resilience and liveability.”
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, GBCA
The GBCA believes that $42.7m over four years will provide free public access to Standards Australia standards referenced in legislation, helping simplify access to technical requirements underpinning the National Construction Code.
“Improving access to standards is a practical productivity reform that can support faster, more consistent delivery across the building and construction sector.”
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, GBCA
The Budget also includes funding to strengthen climate risk management capability across the Australian Public Service.
“Strong implementation capability will become increasingly important as Australia’s climate, resilience and housing policies continue to mature.”
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, GBCA
An additional $17m in 2026/2027 will continue delivery of Australia’s circular economy policy, program and legislative reforms.
“Circular economy principles will play an increasingly important role in reducing waste, improving material efficiency and strengthening sustainable supply chains across the built environment.”
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, GBCA
Funding to set up the National Environmental Protection Agency, including $36.9m over two years to administer the Nature Repair Market and develop additional methods to increase investment in nature and facilitate delivery of environmental offsets.
The GBCA said resilience featured in the Budget’s housing and infrastructure agenda, but further opportunities can strengthen the resilience of homes and buildings.
“Measures supporting water efficiency, climate risk management capability and insurance transparency are positive steps. However, continued investment in resilient building standards and future-ready homes will remain critical as climate risks intensify.
“The built environment is an area where affordability, resilience and emissions reduction can be delivered together. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Albanese Government to deliver homes and buildings that are better for all Australians.”
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, GBCA
