RMIT Submission to the DTP Enabling MMC Discussion Paper

<p dir="ltr">RMIT University is engaged in policy discussions on MMC due to its interdisciplinary expertise, strong industry partnerships, and demonstrated leadership in sustainable construction research. RMIT’s active role in developing training frameworks, testing scalable MMC solutions, and advocating for regulatory reform further highlights its credibility as a research institution that bridges technical innovation with policy relevance. This positions RMIT as a trusted partner for government and industry stakeholders seeking to align MMC policy with sustainability, quality assurance, and housing delivery goals.</p><p dir="ltr">The Post Carbon Research Centre at RMIT University is uniquely positioned to provide informed and impactful feedback on the Department of Transport and Planning's Enabling Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Discussion Paper. With its deep engagement in research, policy, and industry collaboration focused on decarbonising the built environment, the Centre brings a systems-level perspective essential to addressing the regulatory, technological, and workforce challenges highlighted in the discussion paper. The Centre’s leadership in facilitating cross-sector dialogue (PCRC, 2024), exemplified by its 2024 industry workshop on “Decarbonising Prefab Housing” demonstrates its capacity to convene experts from architecture, construction, engineering, education, and government to co-develop actionable solutions across the full construction lifecycle.</p><p dir="ltr">In particular, the Centre’s research into digital design integration (e.g., BIM, DfMA), skills development, and supply chain optimisation directly aligns with the paper’s focus on regulatory reform, inspection processes, competency requirements, and digital innovation in MMC. Through its collaborations with stakeholders including PrefabAUS, the Centre has identified practical strategies to overcome current fragmentation in training, design tools, and certification pathways—insights which are critical to ensuring effective and proportionate regulation.</p>