FROM THE CEO

It’s the Monday after our industry’s ‘night of nights’ – a yearly marker that gives us a chance to pause, celebrate visionary leadership, and reflect on what we’ve achieved collectively before we roll up our sleeves for what comes next.

This month has been a big one. We’ve hosted Collab X, engaged with governments, unpacked political promises and deepened our conversations on digital transformation. Each of these shapes our outlook – and each is explored in this month’s Consulting Matters.

Sharp focus, steady vision

Jonathan Cartledge | CEO, Consult Australia

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS

Productivity push

Driving 'digital by default'

The federal government recently crowdsourced 500-plus ideas to improve national productivity. Harnessing data and digital technology attracted 12% of ideas. What happens next?

Collab X 2025

New insights on defence infrastructure investment

This year’s Collab X event in Canberra came at a pivotal moment. With an estimated $45 billion in defence infrastructure investment on the table over the next decade as strategic and geopolitical sands shift, the stakes are sky high.

Your go-to contracts resource

Centre for Contracting & Risk

Contracts are the backbone of every successful consultancy, but navigating complex clauses and risk provisions can be challenging. “The Centre for Contracting & Risk offers free expert advice, best practice resources and support in challenging unfair clauses,” says Kristy Eulenstein.

PEOPLE & MOVEMENTS

Aurecon has appointed Todd Battley as its new Chief Executive for Australia. He joins from AECOM where he held roles including Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Executive for Australia and New Zealand. 

GHD has new Regional General Manager for South Queensland. Malcolm Dixon returns to Australia after serving four years as the Regional General Manager for GHD’s Western Canada operations.

Arup is targeting significant growth in the Asia Pacific region with the appointment of a new APAC Managing Director, TC Chew.

Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) CEO, Craig Doyle, will retire from his position in August 2025. 

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) in NSW has appointed Paul Skinner as Managing Director. 

Engineer Nicole Waterman, Project Leader at Laing O’Rourke is the recipient of the NSW Executive Women's Leadership Scholarship. 

Cundall is leveraging its global reach, appointing Nanda Muthuvel as Technical Director for its Australian business in Melbourne. 

Consult Australia Awards announced

From pioneering engineering feats to transformative digital solutions and ground-breaking sustainability initiatives, the winners of this year’s Consult Australia Awards exemplify the power of innovation and collaboration.

Arup's triple triumph: Large Firm of the Year

Arup took home three major wins at the 2025 Consult Australia Awards for collaboration, digital innovation and sustainability, and landed the coveted Large Firm of the Year title. 

GHD's Natalie Ambroso leads the charge

Fresh thinking in sustainability, innovation and diversity has earned GHD’s Natalie Ambroso the prestigious Future Leader Award at the 2025 Consult Australia Awards.

Aurecon's William Cox: Driving lasting change

“Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential ingredients to Aurecon’s success as a sustainable and growing business, delivering on our aspiration and purpose,” says Consult Australia Award winner, CEO William Cox.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

Infrastructure Victoria unveils new strategy

The draft 30-year strategy makes 43 draft recommendations and provides 7 future options to the Victorian Government on the state’s infrastructure priorities.

Engineers Australia celebrates World Engineering Day

Young engineers reflect on their roles shaping a sustainable and resilient future.

A&E Industry Benchmark Report from Total Synergy

Compare your firm to its peers across projects, budgets, payments, and more. Take the survey and gain early access to the results.

Beca HunterH2O Collaborates with Sydney Water

Sydney Water is investing $34 billion in infrastructure over the next decade, and Beca HunterH20 has been selected as a design development partner.

Australian Constructors Association on ‘building good’

Fair payment terms will improve liquidity in the supply chain and reduce insolvencies, says ACA CEO Jon Davies.

Do you have news to share?

Email news@consultaustralia.com.au and we’ll help spread the word.

SPONSORS

Thanks to our Industry Champions
Thanks to our Industry Champions
Total Synergy - New Platinum Sponsor
Total Synergy - New Platinum Sponsor
Platinu
Collab X 2025 Bronze Sponsors
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Collab X 2025 Bronze Sponsors
Collab X 2025 Bronze sponsors
Collab X 2025 Bronze Sponsors
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Future Leader Program 2025
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