FROM THE CEO
Progress in reverse
Whether it’s about our low-carbon future, a more diverse and inclusive workforce, or more homes where people need them, real progress starts the same way: set a target, then work backwards to make it happen.
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Jonathan Cartledge | CEO, Consult Australia
ADVOCATING FOR YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Mandatory climate reporting
What you need to know
Climate reporting is mandatory for Australia’s largest companies – and this will ripple through the rest of the industry. Consult Australia has developed a business guide to help smaller business members respond.
Advocacy wins in 2025
Impact through member-led advocacy
From productivity and procurement to registration reform, our 2025 advocacy reflects deep partnerships and practical solutions led by member issues and insights.
The nation’s next productivity push
National registration scheme for engineers
Australia’s peak engineering and professional services organisations have joined forces to ask the Australian Government to introduce a national registration scheme for professional engineers.
PEOPLE & MOVEMENTS
Arup strengthens energy leadership team
Arup is expanding its capacity to address environmental challenges for major infrastructure projects.
“As a firm, we see significant economic opportunities emerging from the global energy transition and our local strategy supports this vision,” said Arup’s Australia and New Zealand Managing Principal, Liam O’Donohue.
“To bolster our ability to navigate environmental approvals, an increasing area of concern for our clients, we have welcomed two new senior market leaders with extensive experience in impact assessments for energy projects.”
SJ Group bolsters global infrastructure and energy leadership
Built environment consultancy SJ Group, of which SMEC is a member company, has announced new leadership appointments to its Infrastructure + Energy business line.
James Phillis has been promoted to Chief Executive, succeeding Hari Poologasundram, who now serves as Senior Advisor. Murray Kretschmer joins as Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience from Arup, where he was COO for the Australasia region.
Sean Chiao, Group CEO of SJ Group says: “As infrastructure evolves globally, driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and the energy transition, our clients are looking to us for bold thinking and quality delivery. James and Murray bring the global experience and perspective to lead our Infrastructure + Energy business into its next chapter, creating enduring value for our clients, communities, and the planet.”
Fresh faces, future focus
Meet the new directors with a shared commitment to collaboration joining the Consult Australia Board of Directors: Beca’s David Barter and GHD’s Alexandra Wright.
Consulting’s next frontier: people plus platforms
“The future of consulting won’t be shaped at 11:30pm over cold Pad Thai,” says InsightWise Co-Founder and CEO Katherine Tobias. And the latest data suggests she is right.
Learning to stargaze
Natalie Ambroso, winner of Consult Australia’s 2025 Future Leader Award, is designing for a future she’ll never see – and asking her industry to stargaze too.
Borrowed brilliance from across the Tasman
ACE New Zealand’s Futurespace conference in Auckland offered a sharp look at where consulting is heading. Across AI, community engagement, cultural intelligence, procurement and global market dynamics, here are five takeaways that travel well.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...
Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure plan
A practical roadmap for housing, energy, transport and social infrastructure for the next three decades.
Pipeline grows, pressure mounts
Infrastructure Australia reports a $53 billion surge in projects, but warns of planning volatility and workforce gaps.
Construction costs climb
WT forecasts building costs to rise 6.4% by 2028, with infrastructure escalation close behind at 5.8%.
Sustainable infrastructure delivers savings
Projects certified by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council in FY25 cut emissions by 3.5 million tonnes and saved $1.27 billion in costs.
Natalie Muir takes the helm
Stantec’s leader and water expert is Consult Australia’s new President.
Do you have news to share?
Email news@consultaustralia.com.au and we’ll help spread the word.
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