Each year, Consult Australia writes to all procuring agencies to encourage a pause on procurement activities. This year, we requested that live processes close by Monday 16 December 2024 and new ones be held off until Monday 6 January 2025.
Initiated by Consult Australia in 2018, the Pause of Wellbeing campaign is now proudly supported by the Association of Consulting Architects, the Australian Constructors Association, the Australasian Railway Association, Engineers Australia and Roads Australia.
“The end-of-year holiday period is important for everyone. A well-deserved break is critical for people’s mental health and wellbeing, and this supportive policy sends a powerful message to the industry,” says Consult Australia Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Cartledge.
“A pause for wellbeing helps prevent burnout, supports team morale and strengthens our industry's ability to retain top talent. Given current market capacity constraints, this initiative responds to immediate needs and sets the stage for well-rested teams to tackle 2025’s challenges.”
In 2018, Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads was the first government client to agree to the pause and to develop a policy.
By 2023, 16 agencies had permanent policies restricting procurement over the end of end-of-year period, with a further 92 agencies supporting the initiative.
Kristy Eulenstein, Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations, says many government clients proactively contacted her seeking the Pause for Wellbeing dates for 2024.
“Consult Australia members who encounter tenders released over the pause period and are unable to secure a reasonable extension can reach out to Consult Australia for advocacy support. We have a strong track record in successfully securing extensions on behalf of our members,” Kristy says.