FROM THE CEO

As we wind down 2025, I’ve been thinking about voices – and this year has shown how much they matter.

The mood of 2025 has been shaped by governments tightening their purse strings and reshuffling priorities. Rapid technological change, geopolitical unease, extreme weather events and persistent cost-of-living pressures created a challenging landscape.

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ADVOCATING FOR YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS

A breather for industry. A boost for wellbeing. 

We reached out to 114 agencies this year, calling for a short, simple reset: close tenders by 15 December, and hold new ones until 5 January. 

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EXCLUSIVE MEMBER OFFER: ACIF Australian Construction Market Report

Consult Australia members can access ACIF’s latest Australian Construction Market Report at a special discounted rate. Produced by the Australian Construction Industry Forum, the report provides a rolling 10-year forecast across residential, non-residential and engineering construction, underpinned by robust data and expert modelling.

Widely used across the industry, this biannual report supports planning, growth forecasting and strategic decision-making.

Member pricing

November 2025 Report: $249 + GST (save over 37%)

Report + early 2026 webinar briefing: $370 + GST (save 80%)

To order, email info@consultaustralia.com.au The report will be issued and invoiced on request, with webinar details to follow in the new year.

FIVE FAVOURITE READS OF 2025 

Defence infrastructure at crossroads

This year’s Collab X brought more than 300 industry leaders together at a pivotal moment for Defence infrastructure. With $45 billion in investment on the horizon, the Canberra forum laid bare the opportunity and the urgency. The overarching message? Defence’s estate program has expanded by 200% in recent years, and our industry is an indispensable partner in delivering infrastructure at scale and on schedule. Read our March 2025 article – and don’t forget to register for Collab X 2026.  

How small firms can win big with AI

Futurist Kim Seeling Smith cut through the noise with a practical guide for small and medium firms wrestling with the reality of AI. Companies that master hybrid intelligence – the synergy of human creativity with machine efficiency – will be in “fierce demand”, Kim said. Re-read the February 2025 article or watch the accompanying video from our Empowering Small Business Series to learn how consultants can adopt AI to amplify capability. (And check out other useful resources for small and medium firms on Consult Australia’s website.

Why disputes are rising – and how to fix them

The Unravelling Risk report, released in April, exposes the pressures driving disputes in Australia’s construction industry. With scope creep the leading cause of claims, and misleading conduct allegations rising, the report offers five targeted reforms to shift the culture from blame to shared accountability. This is a must-read for anyone advising on major projects, procurement or delivery. 

Why government reshuffles matter to governments 

In 2025, new ministries, machinery-of-government shifts and policy resets reshaped project pathways overnight. This popular article breaks down how Consult Australia’s expert team helps members read the political moment, anticipate procurement changes and navigate challenge and change. (You can also download the 20-plus submissions to government made by our advocacy team in 2025.) 

Leading with purpose

Our profile of Consult Australia’s new President, Stantec’s Natalie Muir, struck a chord in September. With decades of industry experience, Natalie brings a grounded, collaborative approach to national leadership. Her reflections on partnership, purpose-led consulting and Consult Australia’s new strategy are worth a read. Natalie and our Board of Directors is ready to roll up their sleeves and tackle the challenges of 2026. 

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