Recent developments in Western Australia illustrate the scale and speed at which governments can reset their agenda.
On 31 March, WA Premier Roger Cook announced machinery of government changes that have reshaped 10 government departments, including a new Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure and a new Office of Major Infrastructure Delivery. Operational staff were transferred on 1 July.
This shakeup has reordered decision-making structures and forced stakeholders to reassess their advocacy, engagement strategies and market outlooks.
But WA is not alone.
“Across the country, governments at all levels are continually refreshing leadership teams, policy platforms and administrative structures,” says Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations, Kristy Eulenstein.
“These changes matter to consultants because they directly affect procurement processes, project pipelines and pathways for engagement.”
Policy pause, play or fast forward?
Tasmania is set for another period of political uncertainty after the state election delivered a similar result to last year’s election. The new government will need to negotiate and compromise more than before, with eight out of 10 crossbench members strongly opposed to the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, for instance.
In Queensland, the Crisafuli Government’s 100-day review of Olympic infrastructure projects delayed key procurement decisions and reshaped the Games’ forward program.
At the federal level, few will forget the impact of the 2023 Infrastructure Investment Program Strategic Review, the effects of which are still rippling through the market. Project deferrals and pipeline reshaping have introduced uncertainty for consulting firms and highlight the lasting and far reaching consequences of policy resets.
“Reviews aren’t necessarily a bad thing,” Kristy notes, pointing to Queensland’s Health Capacity Expansion Program Review. “This gave Consult Australia a vital opportunity to re-prosecute advocacy positions – ensuring lessons from prior project phases were heard by decision-makers and that future procurement models could be improved.”
In the ACT, a significant reshuffle has sharpened the Barr Government’s focus on infrastructure goals. “Activity has slowed as priorities are re-examined, but it has also brought new energy and drive to other areas.”
Consult Australia’s ability to secure spaces for members to participate in industry roundtables and maintain regular government contact has helped ensure continuity during transitional periods, Kristy adds.
What do consultants need to know?
For consulting firms large and small, machinery of government changes present both risks and opportunities.
Understanding who holds what role, where priorities are shifting and how decision-making structures have evolved is critical for any consulting business.
“When key departments are reorganised or merged, engagement pathways that were previously clear can suddenly become opaque. Project owners and procurement leads may move or leave altogether, and contracts under negotiation may stall as new leadership reviews decisions,” Kristy notes.
“These transitions often create delays in procurement processes or temporary freezes on spending as governments take stock. But they can also open new doors. Fresh eyes on policy may result in greater receptiveness to innovative approaches or more flexible procurement models.”
Staying ahead of change
Consult Australia is here to help members chart a clear course as governments change direction.
Our advocacy team has on-the-ground specialists in each state, who monitor political shifts closely, maintain relationships with key public servants and elected officials, and ensure members have up-to-date insights on policy and procurement strategies.
Consult Australia’s networks, expertise and timely intelligence de-risk periods of uncertainty, helping member firms to avoid the pitfalls of misdirected engagement and reposition quickly when governments pivot.
“When a government redefines its priorities, Consult Australia is already engaging at the front line: briefing new ministers and senior officials, sharing lessons learned and advocating for policy settings that benefit our members and our industry,” Kristy concludes.
Read more about Consult Australia’s industry influence, check out our most recent submissions to government or contact our team member in your state.