Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT
OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-161482) pertaining to the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries
SE Long Term Incentive Plan 2006 of our reports dated June 19, 2009 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of James Hardie Industries N.V. included in its
Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended March 31, 2009, and to the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting of James Hardie Industries N.V. filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Orange County, California
February 17, 2010