Coalition proposes scrapping energy rules for new houses amid cost-of-living concerns

The Coalition plans to drastically reduce building standards for new homes by cutting the National Construction Code from over 2,000 pages to 80 pages, making energy efficiency and accessibility measures optional rather than compulsory. Critics argue this proposal would function as a "cost-of-living timebomb" by increasing utility bills for low-income households and exacerbating inequality, despite claims it would reduce construction costs.