The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has applauded the Northern Territory Government’s decision to not support the adoption of the National Construction Code 2025 (NCC 2025). The new code would reduce women’s only bathrooms, potentially putting women and children at risk.
The new code contains new provisions which allow developers to install all-gender toilets in public buildings. The provisions allow all-gender toilets to replace up to half the number of single-sex toilets normally required.
Since public consultation on NCC 2025 in 2024, ACL has raised concern about the all-gender toilet provisions on many occasions with the Australian Building Codes Board.
On the 29th of April, the Minster for Lands Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, declared that each provision of NCC 2025 would not apply in the Territory.
Master Builders NT has also welcomed the Minister’s decision, citing cost and red tape.
ACL’s concerns include the following:
- The all-gender toilet provisions will create privacy, health and safety issues, particularly for women and children.
- Similar provisions were tried in the UK but withdrawn following an inquiry which revealed access and safety issues for women and the elderly.
- Given the likely increase in the risk of harassment, trauma and assault, a full risk assessment should have been carried out.
NIcholas Lay, NT Director of the Australian Christian Lobby said, “I applaud Joshua Burgoyne for not supporting a clearly out of touch code. This code is not suitable for Territorians or developers.”
“This decision will protect women’s privacy and safety here in the Northern Territory.”
ACL conducted polling in NSW finding that 87.73% of NSW adults prefer separate male and female bathrooms. It also found that 90% of women polled preferred single-sex toilets for privacy and safety.
