It is not uncommon for houses built on either side of the street to have differing obligation and regulations imposed. 

Australian governments have embraced a need for harmonisation over the last decade. It is important to point out, however, that in respect to building regulation, the hard work was done two decades ago.

Notwithstanding the good work that was done with establishment of the Australian Building Codes Board, there are those within state and local government bureaucracies who feel that consistency in planning laws is old hat and a better way to run the building industry would be to impose hundreds of different standards and regulations unique to each jurisdiction.

The building industry faces a quagmire of red tape. Harmonisation through the Building Code of Australia (BCA) is the one saving grace for both builders and, importantly, for Australia's manufacturing and supply industries. The benefits of micro-economic reform achieved by national consistency must be preserved and can be under a united and harmonised approach under the BCA.

Energy efficiency has become an accepted technical standard that should be addressed in the design of all new buildings. Yet on the east coast of Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have different requirements. Add to this the complexity that local government sometimes impose.  It is not uncommon for houses built on either side of the street to have differing obligation and regulations imposed.