FROM THE CEO

Consult Australia convened a meeting of our largest member firms this month – and one idea shared has been ticking over in my mind since.

Aurecon’s outgoing CEO Bill Cox – fresh from a double win at the Consult Australia Awards – gave us the lowdown from the FIDIC Global Leadership Forum Summit. Bill joined 100-plus engineering CEOs at the invitation-only event in Madrid. Of the many hot topics on the table, two dominated: decarbonisation and artificial intelligence.

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Jonathan Cartledge | CEO, Consult Australia

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS

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Consultants take their seat at the table

Consult Australia has called for Australia’s first National Construction Strategy to focus on coordination and alignment – recognising the critical interplay between procurement, skills, data and innovation.

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Northern Australia Defence Summit

With up to $18 billion set to flow into northern bases over the next decade, the Northern Australia Defence Summit drew a strong turnout of Consult Australia members.

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Risk, resilience and the future

“Resilience isn’t just about climate or cyber risks. For Consult Australia members, unidentified and unpriced risks threatens business resilience,” Kristy Eulenstein observed during an industry panel discussion this month.

Rear Admiral Katherine Richards AM joins Engineers Australia as Chief Engineer, following an illustrious 36-year career in the Royal Australian Navy.

Kate Drews has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific at Egis. She joined the global architecture, consulting and construction engineering firm in May 2025.

Engineers Australia’s Chief Executive Officer and former Infrastructure Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO has been appointed Chair of the Australian Infrastructure (AI) Investor Advisory Committee (IAC).

The federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has appointed Judith Blake as interim CEO of the Australian Building Codes Board.

HDR has appointed Kate Macdonald as Associate Principal for defence and aviation. In her role, Kate will collaborate with Architecture Managing Principal Huai Lim, Federal Principal Tim Napper, and the country’s 120-strong architectural practice.

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How to fortify future resilience

Engineer Henry Stone joined Consult Australia’s Future Leaders Program in 2024. Six months later, he was part of the winning team behind a digital prototype that could help governments protect infrastructure from climate-fuelled disasters.

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The third annual Global Leadership Forum Summit, organised by FIDIC, brought together 100 of the world’s infrastructure leaders for ideas, inspiration and workable solutions.

 

Profitability is under pressure in architecture and engineering firms around the world. Total Synergy’s 2025 Benchmark Report shows half of firms go over budget, with poor tracking and scope creep to blame.

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Partnering with Consult Australia can put your brand front-and-centre, connect your team with decision-makers and innovators, and contribute to your industry’s growth.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

New ministerial line up

The Albanese Government’s new ministry sees Catherine King continue as Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Minister Clare O’Neil expanding her portfolio to Cities.

All aboard Inland Rail

Inland Rail’s Beveridge to Albury Tranche 1 projects near completion and eight Tranche 2 sites are set to turn their first sod in the coming weeks.

Embracing AI

Nearly a third of engineers, architects and city planners in Australia are relying on AI daily, according to fresh research from Arup.

Marinus Link

Jacobs has been selected as Integrated Delivery Partner for the 345-kilometre undersea cable connecting renewable energy from Tasmania to the mainland.

Construction productivity

The new Queensland Productivity Commission will undertake an inquiry into opportunities to improve the productivity of the Queensland construction sector.

Do you have news to share?

Email news@consultaustralia.com.au and we’ll help spread the word.

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