The next phase of electrification is about our buildings
The ACT Government's new Climate Change Strategy 2026–36 outlines the next phase of building electrification. It signals continued policy pressure to move away from gas in buildings across the territory.
What does the ACT's new Climate Change Strategy mean for building electrification rules?
Builders, electricians, and plumbers in the ACT will face growing compliance requirements as electrification mandates expand. Expect changes to how new builds and retrofits are designed and installed.
Key takeaways
- The ACT's Climate Change Strategy 2026–36 sets the direction for the next decade of building electrification.
- Gas is increasingly being phased out of ACT buildings under ongoing government policy.
- Electricians and builders in the ACT should expect evolving compliance requirements for new and existing buildings.
- The ACT has been an early mover on electrification, likely influencing policy in other states.
Related
Victoria to ban data centres in residential zones
Victoria will ban new data centres from residential zones ahead of the November state election. The move follows community concerns about the facilities being built near homes.
Why it matters: Builders and electricians may see fewer data centre construction contracts in residential areas. New projects will likely shift to industrial or commercial zones.
Changes to ACT property developer licensing
The ACT Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Property Developers Act 2024 just before mandatory developer licensing takes effect on 1 October 2026.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors in the ACT working with property developers need to know who holds a valid licence from October 2026, affecting who they can legally work for.
Security of payment law is working. The contracts are drafted around It.
All Australian jurisdictions now have security of payment laws, 27 years after NSW introduced the first Act. The legislation is functioning as intended across the country.
Why it matters: Builders, plumbers, electricians and other contractors rely on security of payment laws to recover unpaid debts. If contracts are being drafted around the Act, cash flow protections may be undermined.