‘Nanny state’: Aussies complain about annoying detail in modern apartments
A Sydney resident has sparked debate after questioning why most modern houses and apartments come with this annoying feature.
A Sydney resident has sparked online debate after questioning why most modern houses and apartments come with this annoying feature.
The Reddit user posted a photo of their bedroom featuring two typical chainwinder awning windows with narrow openings.
“Why are most modern houses and apartments built with these windows that inhibit fresh air circulation? I’m looking at you, Meriton,” they asked.
One person replied, “One kid falls and the rest of [us] are no longer allowed windows.”
Another said, “We’re not allowed to open windows on any floor above the ground floor now, well not enough that it allows air flow. It’s frustrating.”
A third noted that at the same time real estate agents warned, “Make sure to ventilate your unit to avoid mould build up, or else!”
One person suggested it was “protecting them from getting sued by stupid people”, while another argued it was “because the modern world is rubbish and we all have to be treated like big babies”.
“Nanny state,” another person agreed.
But the simple answer — it’s the law.
Under the National Construction Code — formerly known as the Building Code of Australia — bedroom windows with a fall height of two metres or more must have restricted openings of no more than 12.5 centimetres.
The NCC was updated in 2013 to include the new requirement.
In NSW, under the Strata Management Schemes Act 2015, owners corporations can be fined up to $550 for noncompliance with the standard and owners can also be fined.
Introducing the new laws in 2013, then Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts noted that in the prior two years, 39 children aged nine or younger were hospitalised in NSW due to window falls.
“Residents will still be able to open their windows as they do now, however they will have the security of knowing that when the lock is engaged, children in their care will be protected,” Mr Roberts said at the time.
“These devices are inexpensive and can be easily installed by anyone but it is crucial window safety devices are fitted correctly the first time. I urge owner corporations to act sooner rather than later, so no more children have to suffer permanent, debilitating injury or death due to falls from windows.”
The Australian Medical Association said similar laws in New York resulted in a 96 per cent decrease in hospitalisations due to falls from windows.
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