States agree on flammable cladding ban

STATES and territories have agreed to a nationwide construction ban on combustible cladding, but removing the hazardous material from existing buildings continues to cause a headache.

A meeting of building ministers in Hobart yesterday agreed to an in-principle ban, aimed to reduce the risk posed by flammable cladding, which has been highlighted as a threat to life.

Federal minister Karen Andrews confirmed the pact, “subject to proper investigation and some discussions with in- dustry”. “Victoria and NSW have already moved to ban the use of cladding on new construction over certain (heights),” she said.

“The states can now work on how they’re going to further implement changes in their own jurisdictions. Each state or terri- tory can proceed immediately to implement bans in full but I’m going to encourage them to bring industry with them.”

Consensus on the issue comes after a Melbourne tower covered in flammable cladding caught fire on Monday, sparked by a cigarette.