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Ms Martin was speaking at a government roundtable designed to consider the barriers and opportunities for prefab housing hosted by Minister Ed Husic in Melbourne yesterday.
Participants at the roundtable recognised that there were still a number of barriers preventing prefab and modular construction reaching its potential.
“Addressing gaps in the National Construction Code is critical, as is a clearer understanding of the chain of custody in the manufacturing and building process, financing and business models and insurance,” Ms Martin said.
“A better understanding of terminology is also needed. There are many options for construction from modular floor and wall panels through to fully completed homes.
“Often people see prefab and modular as being an inferior housing option, but there are a range of builders doing some beautiful work, producing amazing homes. In addition, the use of modular components has the potential to improve energy efficiency and apply innovative manufacturing techniques,” added Ms Martin.
Participants at the roundtable committed to investigate improvements to contractual terms and financing models and to address the shortcomings of the Code as quickly as possible.
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.
Australia’s residential building industry has entered the new year with confidence still on shaky ground for small businesses as rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook.
Tasmania’s housing market slowed in November, with building approvals falling sharply compared to October. Approvals for new homes dropped almost 20 per cent, and even after seasonal adjustment, the decline was 5.8 per cent.
Australia’s home building industry is expected to strengthen through 2026, supported by gradually improving building approvals and a recovery in demand, but the pace of growth will ultimately depend on how quickly interest rates can fall further, according to the Housing Industry Association.