October 2025

Strategic confidence

Jonathan Cartledge, Chief Executive Officer, Consult Australia

Yesterday, at our Annual General Meeting, the Consult Australia Board launched our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. This bold, member-led roadmap sets a clear direction for the future of our association and the industry we represent.

Developed through deep engagement with members, the plan builds on our previous strategy and reflects what matters most to the firms we serve. At its heart is a commitment to: Maintain, Enhance and Innovate.

We will maintain the strengths of our existing business model – the bedrock that continues to deliver value every day. We will enhance our services through strategic partnerships and by leveraging our unique leadership position. And we will innovate by exploring new education models and future-focused solutions that respond to market needs and ensure our long-term commercial sustainability.

This forward-looking strategy arrives at a critical time. Our latest Market Conditions Survey reveals a sector still under pressure: pipeline uncertainty, escalating costs and a heightened risk environment continue to test us. Almost every sector reports spare capacity; half of all businesses have redeployed staff.

And yet, 49% of respondents are optimistic about the year ahead. This is a signal of mindset. Our industry recalibrates quickly and looks ahead with purpose. The toughest adjustments are behind us. The market is stabilising. Confidence is returning.

Consult Australia represents an industry with a glass-half-full perspective. Whether designing resilient infrastructure, advising on complex systems or shaping sustainable communities, our members are builders of the future and our strategy reflects that attitude.

Built for resilience and shaped by member insight, this plan is positioned to amplify our collective voice. Our strength lies in our breadth – from micro-firms to multinationals – and this strategy ensures we continue to represent, support and elevate every part of our industry.

As we turn the page, I want to acknowledge two leaders who have helped shape the chapter we are closing. Outgoing President Tasos Katopodis has brought unwavering commitment to his role, championing member value throughout his tenure. Arthur Psaltis, who also steps down from our Board, has contributed thoughtful leadership. I extend my sincere thanks to both.

To our new President, Natalie Muir, who led the development of this plan as Chair of the Strategy Committee, and to our Board – thank you. Your guidance has shaped a strategy that is practical, ambitious and, as Natalie says, “charts a confident course for our future”.

Thank you for being part of what comes next.