Former Victorian Deputy Premier John Thwaites has been appointed as chair of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

The ABCB is responsible for developing a nationally consistent approach to building and plumbing regulations through the National Construction Code (NCC).

Thwaites has extensive experience working on building sustainability and climate change issues through the Green Building Council, Monash University and Maddocks law firm.

He also has broader experience in relation to planning and local government through former portfolio responsibilities of health, planning, and the environment, water and communities.

Announcing the appointment, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said: “I congratulate Mr Thwaites on his appointment and look forward to his contribution and leadership of the ABCB Board."

Senator Carr also thanked Graham Huxley AM, the outgoing Chair of the ABCB, for his contribution since 2006.

“Mr Huxley has successfully guided the ABCB through one of its busiest periods of building regulation reform.

"These achievements include implementation of the COAG initiated NCC, energy efficiency provisions for commercial and residential buildings, improved access for people with disabilities, as well as responding decisively to a number of natural disasters,” Senator Carr said.

“The board’s work has resulted in improvements to the NCC to ensure Australia’s built environment continues to be safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable. The ABCB Board will continue with this important agenda under Mr Thwaites’ leadership.

Thwaites’ five year term commenced on 5 November 2011.

Architecture & Design Team

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