At Consult Australia, this is the question that drives us every day as we advocate for our members, collaborate with industry champions and drive collective action so industry can move further and faster together.

This month, we’ve witnessed leadership in action through bold initiatives, collaborative forums and remarkable individuals.

One standout example of leadership this month is the launch of Enabling Digital by Default – a practical roadmap for digital transformation in Australia’s infrastructure sector. After more than a year of rigorous consultation with 50-plus government agencies and businesses representing 17,000 professionals, our white paper outlines five clear, actionable recommendations to accelerate digital adoption and enhance productivity. You can read more in this month’s Consulting Matters.

This month we also share some of the recent mission-critical conversations with leaders at industry forums on both sides of the Tasman. Consult Australia represented members at the Construction Industry Leadership Forum (CILF) in Brisbane and at ACE New Zealand’s Futurespace conference in Christchurch. Both platforms highlighted critical challenges but also emphasised the power of collaborative, courageous leadership.

True leadership prioritises people. This year, we’re once again calling on government clients to support an end-of-year procurement pause to protect people’s mental health and prevent burnout. With 16 agencies already adopting permanent policies, we’re building a more sustainable, resilient industry together.

Leadership will take centre stage on 26 March next year when we celebrate the businesses and individuals redefining engineering, design and advisory services at the Consult Australia Awards for Excellence. Submissions for the 2025 awards close on 19 December.

Finally, true leadership is often best exemplified by those around us. This month we mourned the passing of David Singleton AM –an industry giant whose legacy of leadership span many decades. David’s spectacular 40-year career with Arup culminated in the role of CEO and Chair of Arup Australasia. He was a director of Standards Australia for nearly a decade and foundation chairman and director of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

David championed sustainability, diversity and mentorship with quiet strength and unwavering conviction. Recognised by Engineers Australia as one of the nation’s 100 most influential engineers on five separate occasions, David was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to engineering. David’s impact is immeasurable, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. David’s example reminds us that the true measure of leadership is not just what we build, but the better world we leave behind.