A Legislative Shift That’s Sending Ripples Across the East Coast
In September 2024, the ACT took a landmark step by legislating iCIRT ratings for property developers under the new Property Developers Act 2024. This move has transformed iCIRT from a voluntary trust signal into a regulatory benchmark – and it’s turning heads in neighbouring states.
Developers and builders in NSW and Queensland are watching closely, and for good reason: what has just become law in the ACT could soon influence policy, procurement, and consumer expectations across the eastern seaboard.
A Quick Recap: What the ACT Has Done
Under the ACT’s new framework, developers must be licensed to operate – and one of the key ways to demonstrate capability and trustworthiness is through an iCIRT rating.
The goal is to give consumers, lenders, and government agencies confidence that projects are being delivered by verified, credible operators.
It’s a decisive move that shifts the market toward data-backed accountability rather than self-declared competence.
Why This Matters for NSW and QLD
1. Policy Alignment Is Already Happening
NSW has already paved the way for reform through the Building Commissioner’s Construct NSW initiative, which relies heavily on iCIRT ratings to identify trustworthy industry participants.
The ACT legislation reinforces NSW’s direction and could push the state further toward making iCIRT a formal requirement rather than an optional rating.
Queensland, on the other hand, has traditionally focused more on licensing and financial assurance through the QBCC. But as developers and consultants expand across borders, the expectation for transparent ratings will grow.
2. Market Pressure Will Do What Regulation Hasn’t Yet
Even before legislation catches up, market momentum often does the work first.
Developers with iCIRT ratings are already enjoying advantages in NSW such as:
- Easier access to capital and insurance
- Stronger reputational standing with lenders and councils
- Preferential consideration on projects where risk management is key
Once ACT’s mandatory approach takes full effect, lenders and investors in QLD and NSW may start demanding the same transparency regardless of what’s written in the law.
3. Consumer Confidence Will Drive Demand
The broader public may not fully understand the iCIRT framework yet, but awareness is growing. As consumers in Canberra begin to recognise and trust the iCIRT star system, that confidence will spread.
Much like energy ratings or financial credit scores, iCIRT’s visibility will become part of how people assess builders and developers. When that happens, un-rated operators will face an uphill battle.
What Forward-Looking Developers Should Do Now
The ACT’s move isn’t just about compliance, it’s a signal of what’s coming next.
Forward-looking developers and consultants in NSW and QLD should act now to:
- Understand the iCIRT framework – Know how ratings are assessed and what evidence is required.
- Benchmark your organisation – Identify gaps in governance, capability, and transparency.
- Engage early – Don’t wait for regulation to force your hand. An early rating positions you as a trusted leader before the field gets crowded.
The Bigger Picture
The east coast construction industry is moving towards a unified standard of trust.
The ACT has simply formalised what NSW began and what QLD will likely follow: that credibility, backed by data, is the new currency of confidence in property and construction.
Developers who see this shift as an opportunity rather than a hurdle will be the ones best positioned when iCIRT becomes the baseline expectation, not the exception.
How iCIRT Advisory Can Help
At iCIRT Advisory, we help developers, builders, and consultants across Australia get rating-ready. Whether you’re operating in NSW, QLD or preparing for future legislative shifts, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, from assessment readiness to score optimisation.
Contact us to get ahead of the curve and position your business for the next phase of market reform.
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iCIRT Advisory
Australia’s first advisory dedicated to helping builders, developers, and consultants get iCIRT rating-ready.
We are a passionate Australian based company that aims to help increase the speed at which builders and developers get iCIRT Rated for the overall good of the Construction Industry.
