September 2024

Unlocking potential

Unlocking potential

A series of industry conferences and conversations this month has revealed “a glimmer of light” at the end of a long tunnel, says Consult Australia’s Kristy Eulenstein, and the potential for more collaborative behaviours in Australia’s infrastructure and construction industry.

“Realising collaboration in behaviours, not just words” is always on the mind of Kristy Eulenstein, Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations. “It is always a critical theme of many conversations as we focus on resolving the persistent issues that impact our members.”


A new partnership between Consult Australia and NEC Contracts, signed in September, supports a different way to avoid disputation. “I’m excited to explore how NEC’s standardised and collaborative approach could be an antidote to adversarial behaviours,” Kristy says. (And you can read more in this month’s Consulting Matters.)


“How variations are handled, how payments are processed, and how disputes are avoided – these are issues I consistently advocate on across contracts, jurisdictions and clients. I’ve been dealing with these issues for five years on behalf of our members, so I’m optimistic that the NEC contract suite can be a circuit breaker.”


Recent discussions about the use of dispute avoidance or resolution boards involving project consultants, rather than just constructors and government clients, shows “there are proactive, clear pathways to reduce conflict and build stronger relationships during projects.”


Further signs of progress came during a joint meeting between the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) and the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC). “I nearly fell off my chair when a government representative said they would be changing the terms in their contracts – a move we’ve advocated for years. While it’s early days, it is a significant step towards dismantling long-standing barriers.”


There is also movement in New South Wales. After sustained industry advocacy, the NSW Government has extended the consultation period on the proposed new NSW Building Act and paused its introduction until 2025. “We are working very closely with other industry associations, particularly the Association of Consulting Architects to ensure any changes lead to positive outcomes for our members and the community.”


“To round out the month I attended the Infrastructure Association of Queensland’s annual assembly and felt the positivity of the entire infrastructure industry.” Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace outlined a vision for productive and meaningful infrastructure, “and the message is coming from all corners of the industry,” Kristy says. “Collaboration is the key to unlocking infrastructure’s full potential.”

Image credit: Infrastructure Association of Queensland

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Unlocking potential