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. 2 to Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-14036) pertaining to the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries
SE 2001 Equity Incentive Plan of our reports dated June 19, 2009 with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of James Hardie Industries N.V. included in its Annual Report (Form 20-F) for
the year ended March 31, 2009, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
of James Hardie Industries N.V. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Orange County, California
June 14, 2010