These advancements reflect broader societal changes and recognise the diverse needs of building users.
Written by: Cathryn Grant – Access Leader for Victoria
The Preview edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025, Volume One has now been released, introducing important updates to the provision of sanitary facilities in Class 3–9 buildings. On Friday 1 May, it is believed these changes will be included in NCC 2025, Volume One.
One of the most significant changes is the broader allowance for all‑gender toilets. Where a building is required to provide one male and one female toilet, these may now both be provided as all‑gender facilities — meaning no gendered toilets are required in this scenario.
For buildings requiring four or more pans or urinals, up to half of both the male and female fixtures can now be designated as all‑gender. These all‑gender compartments must include a toilet pan and washbasin, removing the shared-gender basin area and improving comfort and privacy.
Cathryn Grant, Architecture & Access Leader for Victoria says, overall, we view these changes as a positive step, though there remains room for improvement.
A shelf, a hook and a mirror are not included in the proposed NCC All Gender Toilet Update, however many people would benefit from these fittings including people who need to administer pain medication, changing dressings or an ileostomy bag.
Signage Requirements
The NCC now requires all‑gender facilities to be clearly labelled with the wording “all gender”. While this provides consistency, further clarity could have been achieved by specifying a simple toilet symbol, avoiding the use of alternative/varied pictograms representing gender diverse use.
Sanitary Products
Two major additions improve inclusivity:
- Sanitary product dispensing machines must now be installed in all facilities used by females, including all-gender toilets.
- Sanitary disposal units are now required in all sanitary facilities – male, female, and all-gender – recognising that people across all facility types may need access to them.
Looking Ahead
Architecture & Access welcomes these advancements as they reflect broader societal changes and recognise the diverse needs of building users.
However, we believe there is still considerable opportunity to design sanitary facilities that better serve a wider spectrum of people — including nursing mothers, parents with young children, people of faith requiring ablution facilities, individuals with anxiety, and those accompanied by assistance animals.
Summary of Key Changes – NCC 2025
- All‑gender toilets permitted and must include a pan and washbasin.
- “All gender” signage required on all‑gender facilities.
- Sanitary product dispensing machines required in all‑gender and female facilities.
- Sanitary disposal units required in every sanitary facility
To understand what the NCC 2025 sanitary facility changes mean in practice, and how they may affect your projects – book a CPD session with Architecture & Access.
