Former Victorian Deputy Premier the Hon John Thwaites has been appointed as chair of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

"Mr Thwaites' work on building sustainability and climate change issues through the Green Building Council, Monash University and Maddocks law firm make him an ideal person to lead the ABCB through the key challenges ahead," Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said.

"The ABCB will also benefit from Mr Thwaites' broader experience in relation to planning and local government, particularly with his former portfolio responsibilities of health, planning, and the environment, water and communities.

"I congratulate Mr Thwaites on his appointment and look forward to his contribution and leadership of the ABCB Board," Senator Carr said announcing the appointment today.

The ABCB is responsible for developing a nationally consistent approach to building and plumbing regulations through the National Construction Code (NCC).

Senator Carr also thanked Mr Graham Huxley AM, the outgoing Chair of the ABCB, for his contribution since 2006.

"Mr Huxley has successfully guided the ABCB through one of its busiest periods of building regulation reform. These achievements include implementation of the COAG initiated NCC, energy efficiency provisions for commercial and residential buildings, improved access for people with disabilities, as well as responding decisively to a number of natural disasters," Senator Carr said.

"The board's work has resulted in improvements to the NCC to ensure Australia's built environment continues to be safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable. The ABCB Board will continue with this important agenda under Mr Thwaites' leadership.

Mr Thwaites' five year term begins on 5 November 2011.

A printable version of the media release [PDF 53 KB] is available.

Biographical details for Professor John Thwaites are attached [PDF 53 KB] [RTF 8.21 MB].