July 2026
Advocacy in action
Turning insight into influence
Behind every advocacy win is a team connecting members, governments and practical solutions across Australia. Here's a snapshot of our advocacy in action.
One of Consult Australia’s greatest strengths is that its expertise doesn’t stop at state borders, says Kristy Eulenstin, Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations.
“Our state managers are constantly sharing insights, so when one jurisdiction develops a better approach, we're already taking those lessons into conversations elsewhere. That means our advocacy is informed not just by what’s happening in one state, but by what’s working across the country.”
New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
"Governments want practical industry insight, so being invited into conversations early means we can help shape better outcomes before decisions are locked in," says Consult Australia’s NSW & ACT Manager, Alison Kirk.
Consult Australia continues to work closely with Infrastructure NSW as the agency progresses its infrastructure digitalisation and data policy, providing members' insights and practical industry intelligence.
“We have also recently provided detailed feedback to NSW Treasury during consultation on updates to its Performance and Management Services Scheme arrangements, raising indemnity, liability and warranty issues.
Consult Australia recently discussed the findings of the Protecting Cost Certainty report with Infrastructure Canberra, which was well received, says Alison.
The strong relationship is also reflected in this edition of Consulting Matters, with Director-General Gillian Geraghty outlining the ACT Government’s focus on pipeline transparency, industry partnerships and delivery certainty.
Members also recently benefited from an exclusive ‘lunch and learn’ information session on the Territory’s new Infrastructure Design Requirements, gaining early insight into significant changes that replace the ‘basic brief’. “Giving members early access to emerging policy changes helps them prepare before those changes reach the market.”
Queensland
“Strong relationships take time. We’ve spent years building trusted connections with government colleagues that allow us to have frank conversations. When government representatives ask for more opportunities to engage, it’s a sign those conversations are making a difference.” says Consult Australia’s Qld Manager Laura Macdonald.
Consult Australia is working with the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to identify and reduce procurement barriers for small businesses, drawing on members’ experience to help shape future reforms.
We hosted the first of our long-running invitation-only Director General’s Luncheons for 2026, connecting members with senior leaders from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Economic Development Queensland and the Department of Health Capital Infrastructure to discuss key infrastructure priorities.
“The Queensland Government has found so much value in these discussions that it has requested two forums this year,” says Laura.
South Australia and the Northern Territory
“Our member-led advocacy approach means that member feedback is highly valued to drive our message to governments” says Consult Australia’s new SA & NT Manager Lyndall Rowe.
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport has just finalised its harmonisation of transport and building contracts, delivering several improvements for consultants.
“We had some real policy wins, with changes including improvements to novation provisions, audit requirements and some liability provisions. On the issues still of concern we ask members to let us know how these practically impact them over the next six months so we can continue to advocate for change to the liability and indemnities settings in particular.”
Consult Australia has also maintained its engagement in the Northern Territory with Lyndall recently taking her first trip to Darwin to attend senior meetings with government agencies and industry stakeholders.
The visit strengthened relationships with agencies looking to modernise long-standing processes and improve future infrastructure delivery. “As investment accelerates across the Territory, building strong relationships now creates opportunities to improve procurement and project delivery,” Lyndall says.
Victoria and Tasmania
“A big part of our role is to bring real-life insight into government decision-making early, when it can have the greatest impact” says Consult Australia’s Vic & Tas Manager Mark Rogers.
Consult Australia maintains a strong relationship with the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority. Following our feedback, VIDA Health has introduced a new Registration of Interest process to better understand market capability and capacity before procuring professional services. The approach broadens market access, particularly for new and emerging suppliers, while helping government better understand how services should be packaged for future projects.
Consult Australia also partnered with VicWater to host the inaugural Building a Resilient Water Future forum in June, notes Mark. This explored the opportunities and challenges shaping Victoria’s next generation of water infrastructure.
With significant changes underway across government delivery agencies in Tasmania, Consult Australia is continuing to build relationships while advocating on key industry issues.
The Department of Treasury and Finance has positively responded to Consult Australia's Protecting Cost Certainty report, which Mark says “reinforces the importance of ongoing engagement on procurement reform”.
“Our advocacy work is about showing up consistently, particularly during periods of change, so we’re well placed to help shape better outcomes as new priorities emerge.”
Western Australia
“The best outcomes come when government and industry work together to solve problems. Our members’ expertise is helping shape better delivery models for future projects,” says Consult Australia’s WA Manager Emma Thunder.
Consult Australia has continued its collaborative work with the Office of Major Transport Infrastructure Delivery (OMTID). Following a workshop in late 2025, members recently participated in a second deep dive exploring alliance contracting and practical solutions to shared challenges.
Consult Australia also provided member input into the development of OMTID’s sustainability and social value framework while keeping members informed through briefings on major projects including the Anketell Road Upgrade and Westport’s Kwinana Bulk Terminal marine works.
National
“To influence national policy, we have a strong voice. But the strategic relationships we maintain with other industry associations are also invaluable where we need to tackle common problems,” says Consult Australia’s National Policy Manager Kristine Banks.
In addition to Consult Australia’s strong series of submissions and research, with nearly a dozen major submissions completed or in development in the first half of 2026, collaboration with industry continues to bear fruit.
Consult Australia’s membership of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), with Kristy sitting on its Board, has delivered in a number of areas. A 12-month reprieve has been reportedly secured for CSIRO’s fire testing facility following sustained industry advocacy through ACIF.
Kristy recently previewed the 2026 Market Conditions Report at an exclusive ACIF Board briefing to the Reserve Bank of Australia. She also joined other industry colleagues for an roundtable that will inform Infrastructure Australia’s market capacity analysis.
Meanwhile, our Partnership for Change initiative with the Australian Constructors Association (ACA) goes from strength to strength, with the latest paper outlining best practice design principles. In that same spirit of collaboration, Consult Australia’s recent Liability and Contracts Roundtable welcomed ACA Chief Executive Officer Peter Colacino and Head of Policy Kristin Moss to have a “frank discussion of the challenges in contract negotiation between constructors and consultants,” notes Kristine.
“Working in cooperation with other industry groups, including the ACA, is undertaken strategically to further the goals of our advocacy for members, and to ensure the consultant voice is not missed on important topics.”
Stronger together
From better contracts and procurement to national policy reform, one thing is clear: Consult Australia's greatest strength is connecting ideas and insight across jurisdictions.
“Our members often see the outcomes in their own state,” Kristy says. “Behind the scenes, our team is constantly connecting ideas, relationships and lessons from across Australia. That’s how we turn local advocacy into national influence, delivering greater value for every Consult Australia member.”