Data and digital technology form one of five ‘pillars’ established from Australia’s Productivity Pitch. Among the ideas was to “mandate greater use of digital technology in business cases and contracts for large government infrastructure projects”.

It’s an idea that Consult Australia has championed for many years, says National Policy Manager Kristine Banks. 

“We are progressing our ‘digital by default’ agenda around the country in collaboration with government stakeholders and have held very constructive conversations with the federal Department of Infrastructure, with our members and other industry associations,” Kristine says.

In November, Consult Australia launched the Enabling Digital by Default white paper. This outlines five recommendations: 

Kristine Banks,
National Policy Manager

“There is real urgency to act,” Kristine notes, pointing to other countries taking “significant strides” in digital transformation. 

The Centre for Digital Built Britain was established in 2017. Canada launched the Construction Sector Digitalisation and Productivity Challenge Program last year. Singapore released the world’s first digital twin of an entire nation in 2023. “These are just three examples of why the time for digital by default is now.”

Alison Kirk,
NSW & ACT Manager

NEW SOUTH WALES

Consult Australia members recently participated in a roundtable led by Infrastructure NSW. This was established to canvas industry views on INSW’s Infrastructure Digitalisation Program (IDP). The IDP aims to accelerate the adoption of digital processes, technologies and data across the built environment, supporting better project delivery and asset management. 

“The NSW Government has previously estimated that digital tools, technology and processes will positively impact more than $413 billion of infrastructure owned, operated, under construction or planned – it’s just huge,” says Alison Kirk, Consult Australia’s NSW & ACT Manager.

“We are excited to bring the digital by default campaign to life in NSW in collaboration with INSW. This is a great opportunity for members and government alike.”

Mark Rogers,
Victoria &Tasmania Manager

VICTORIA

Ronnie Oliver, Director of the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) Program, recently held an industry engagement session with Consult Australia members. The VTDE program is transforming the way Victoria delivers projects for rail, road and other transport modes, with a transition to sustainable long-term operation and maintenance.

“Consult Australia made early contributions to the Victorian Government’s digital policy and this progress update has helped us to identify ways we can further support the government through the skills and expertise of our members,” says VIC and TAS Manager, Mark Rogers.

Laura Macdonald,
QLD Manager

QUEENSLAND

Queensland is in the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in its history, with 750 infrastructure projects underway and a capital program of more than $107 billion over four years.

The Infrastructure Productivity and Workforce Roadmap outlines a range of digital and data priorities. The state has invested $5 million towards a South East Queensland digital twin, for instance, and a proof of concept is underway. 

Laura Macdonald, Consult Australia’s new Queensland Manager is already hard at work, engaging with members to further the state’s digital by default agenda.

“Consult Australia members have been invited to contribute to industry case studies on digital good practice and to share their expertise as we work together to uplift the sector. If you’d like to contribute, please get in touch. I am so excited to work together, as the commitment from government and our members is clear.”

Emma Thunder,
WA Manager

West Australia

Consult Australia members are currently contributing to the West Australian Government’s Industry Sustainability Strategic Approach (ISSA) working groups to support the resilience, capacity and capability of the state’s transport industry. A future dedicated workstream will consider data management and digital engineering, says Consult Australia’s WA Manager Emma Thunder. 

“With the state election now behind us, I am pleased to continue the valuable work of the ISSA working groups with strong member representation. This is a great opportunity for our members to drive change.”

Matt Williams,
SA, NT & Defence Manager

South Australia

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) formed a working group to accelerate the uptake of building information modelling across the state, with Consult Australia members key contributors.

The BIM working group recently circulated new guidance and is implementing the NATSPEC BIM execution plan for building projects, says Matt Williams, Consult Australia’s SA, NT & Defence Manager.

“The BIM working group is a powerful example of the benefits of Consult Australia membership, which opens doors to important industry forums. Our members are helping to shape policies and programs, and are contributing to a stronger, smarter, more innovative and sustainable industry.” 

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