The BCA references various Australian Standards and Codes to provide technical building requirements. Standards referenced by the BCA have legal application to ensure that minimum requirements for health, safety and ammenity in relation to buildings are maintained.

Part D3 of the BCA, titled "Access for People with Disabilities" determines which buildings must comply with access requirements currently referenced by the BCA.

The BCA is a performing based code. In addition, the Australian Standards on access and the Building code of Australia are currently being updated so that they will be consistent with the access requirements of other legislation, particularly the Commonwealth DDA (1992).

Public authorities should be aware that these changes are being made and that currently a building that meets the BCA access requirements may still be the subject of a successful complaint to HREOC under the Commonwealth DDA (1992).