New housing rules could make independent living nearly impossible

Peter Steenstrup’s life changed in a single day in 2020. A spinal tumour left him a paraplegic, suddenly confronting a reality he never expected—his own home was no longer suitable.

Five years on, he still could not return to his colonial Sherwood house, forced to live apart from his wife and family due to preventable accessibility barriers.

Peter’s struggle has become the centre of a heated political debate that could shape housing for millions of Australians. The Queensland Productivity Commission recommended the state consider opting out of new accessibility standards for home construction, drawing fierce opposition from disability advocates.

Their concern is that such a move could leave vulnerable Australians even further behind.

The debate matters not just to Peter, but to an estimated 4.4 million Australians living with disability and a generation of baby boomers approaching their senior years. For many, accessible housing is not a luxury—it is essential for independence, dignity, and family unity.

The Standards Under Fire

The National Construction Code introduced accessibility requirements in 2022, mandating step-free entry, wider doorways, hobless showers, reinforced bathroom walls for future grab rail installation, and toilets at entry level. These features, though they might appear minor, represent the difference between living independently and facing isolation.

Queensland was among the early adopters of these standards, phased in from October 2023. They were based on the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines’ 'silver standard', the most basic level of accessibility certification.

Before the standards, only about five per cent of new homes met basic accessibility requirements, leaving families like Peter’s with few options and forcing separation. For many Australians, accessible housing has been a lifelong struggle—one that begins the moment a disability is acquired or ageing challenges arise.

The Great Divide: Which States Are In, Which Are Out?

Australia’s adoption of accessibility standards has created a postcode lottery. Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory adopted the standards, while New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia opted out. This uneven approach means mobility-challenged Australians face drastically different housing prospects depending on where they live.

A person relocating from Brisbane to Sydney or Perth could find dramatically reduced options, while someone moving from Melbourne to Adelaide encounters the same barriers in reverse. This inconsistency compounds the challenges faced by families planning long-term care or relocation.

The Numbers Game: Costs vs Benefits

The construction industry argues the costs of compliance are significant. Master Builders Queensland estimated that accessibility and energy efficiency requirements together add between $22,500 and $44,500 to building costs. However, the actual costs are often far lower, particularly when compared to retrofitting homes.

Research shows that compliance for new construction can be as little as one per cent of the average building cost. Retrofitting existing homes to meet basic accessibility standards, by contrast, averages around $20,000—a cost roughly 20 times higher than incorporating accessibility features from the start.

Spinal Life Australia estimates the community cost of inaccessible housing between $3 billion and $6.7 billion, factoring in increased hospital stays, aged care admissions, and home modification expenses. Advocates argue the economic case strongly favours mandatory accessibility standards, even beyond the moral and social imperatives.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Australia faces a demographic shift that intensifies the need for accessible housing. The baby boomer generation represents over five million Australians who will increasingly require accessible homes as they age. Features like slip-resistant surfaces, step-free entry, and wider corridors reduce falls and hospitalisations, enabling people to age safely in their own homes.

Queensland’s broader housing crisis adds urgency. Construction productivity has dropped nine per cent since 2018, resulting in 77,000 fewer dwellings than expected. This shortage intersects with the accessibility debate, amplifying the challenges for families seeking suitable homes.

Industry vs Advocates: The Battle Lines

The construction industry has argued for voluntary standards. Master Builders Queensland Executive Manager Michael Hopkins stated: 'Where homeowners would like to incorporate them we think that's perfectly appropriate. But in other cases where the cost might be the difference between a project proceeding or not proceeding, we'd like to give homeowners the choice.'

Disability advocates counter that voluntary measures have repeatedly failed. Spinal Life Australia CEO Mark Townend argued that relying on the industry to voluntarily deliver accessible housing has produced no measurable results, pointing to decades of poor uptake.

The Olympic Factor

Peter’s reference to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games highlights the stakes. With the world watching, Queensland faces scrutiny over its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Paralympic athletes demonstrate what is possible when barriers are removed, making the debate around accessible housing particularly poignant.

What This Means for Queensland Families

Queensland’s decision affects more than policy—it affects lives. Homes built with accessibility features may have broader market appeal as the population ages, offering potential investment returns despite higher upfront costs. For families with elderly relatives or members with disabilities, the choice could determine whether multigenerational living remains feasible or families face separation like Peter’s.

If you're planning to build or buy in Queensland: new homes built after October 2023 should include basic accessibility features if standards remain, existing homes without these features may require costly modifications later, consider accessibility in your long-term housing plans regardless of current needs, and check with builders about compliance costs and what features are included.

The Queensland government awaited the full Queensland Productivity Commission report, due to be handed to the treasurer on 24 October, before considering policy changes. The decision could influence other states and set a precedent for national progress on accessible housing.

For Peter, the debate is deeply personal. His hope to return home depends on major renovations that could have been avoided with early accessibility standards. He explained: 'There's no extra real-world costs involved, we've just got to lay it out in a way that's specific to my needs. We need this in place as a bare minimum just to support our population.'

Accessible housing isn’t just about ramps and wider doorways—it’s also tied closely to financial security and long-term planning.

Understanding how housing costs can affect your income can help you make smarter choices when looking for a home that meets your needs.

One real-life example explores the challenges of relying on government support when housing options are limited or expensive.

Read more: Retirement ‘Nightmare’: Why Millions of Australians Could Be Stuck Relying on the Age Pension

Have you or your family faced challenges finding accessible housing in Australia?