April 2025

Federal election priorities

Federal election priorities

As Australia heads to the polls on 3 May, Consult Australia urges all parties to back smart reforms that unlock productivity, restore business confidence and deliver better value for public investment.

Our members design the future,” says Kristy Eulenstein, Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations. “They’re ready to invest, to innovate, to grow – but they need certainty in the infrastructure pipeline and a commercial environment that works.”

Consult Australia has outlined five practical policy shifts to remove barriers, drive efficiency and deliver better value-for-money. 

“These aren’t wish-list items – they’re proven, targeted reforms that will deliver lasting results.”

Consult Australia’s five policy priorities are:

  1. Provide confidence, for capacity: Without a clear and consistent infrastructure pipeline, firms can’t plan, invest or build capacity. Long-term certainty enables businesses to grow.
  2. Support commercial outcomes: Cutting red tape and addressing anti-competitive behaviour will create a fairer market – and better value for taxpayers.
  3. Realise occupational mobility: A simple amendment to the ‘home state’ definition in the Mutual Recognition Act would remove barriers to workforce mobility and save $54 million annually on registered engineers alone.
  4. Strengthen national coordination: Fragmented policy stifles productivity. Stronger national coordination on infrastructure, net zero, and digital delivery will drive results across jurisdictions.
  5. Champion quality standards: High-quality design starts with high-quality standards. The federal government can lead by supporting updates to the National Construction Code and access to Australian Standards.

“These priorities are clear, achievable and ready to go. With the right policy settings, the next federal government can supercharge industry’s capacity to deliver – and we look forward to working with all political parties to make this happen.”

Download Consult Australia’s federal election priorities for the full reform roadmap.

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Federal election priorities