Northern Territorians will cast their vote on Saturday 24 August. The ACT will hold its general election on 19 October. Queenslanders will head to the ballot box on 26 October. In the leadup to these polls, Consult Australia is taking a clear message to all political parties.

Consult Australia’s national advocacy agenda is focused on three pillars of smart policy that can drive efficiency and deliver better value for money outcomes for government, industry and the communities we serve. These are:

While these three policy pillars apply to all state and territories in Australia, each has its own issues – which is why Consult Australia has on-the-ground specialists in each jurisdiction.

Northern Territory

The next few years are likely to be one of the most prosperous for the Northern Territory economy with unprecedented private and public investment in the pipeline. 

The NT Government’s growth agenda outlines $53 billion in capital investment over the next five years and underscores the opportunities and obstacles ahead, particularly with skills in short supply.

“The key growth sectors for the Northern Territory – energy, critical minerals and defence – are also the key growth sectors for several other jurisdictions in Australia. We can expect strong competition for talent,” says Consult Australia’s SA & NT Manager, Matt Williams.

Consult Australia has engaged with Infrastructure NT, Invest NT and the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Logistics (DIPL) on the project and investment pipeline. “We have hosted forums to bring NT Government decision-makers together with Consult Australia members to understand the significant pipeline and growth agenda in the Top End; and we continue to champion coordinated, collaborative efforts between government and industry to ensure the Territory attracts the engineering and design talent we need.”

Australian Capital Territory

The top issues for the ACT are pipeline transparency, local education and skills, and procurement.

“Pipeline investment is an economic lever. If that lever is pulled too tightly, or let loose, it influences market capacity to deliver, as well as regional growth and competition,” says Alison Kirk, Consult Australia’s NSW & ACT Manager.

“The ACT Government has adjusted its approach to the pipeline of projects in recent years, which has provided more certainty and encouraged more small to medium businesses to tender for work. 

“But many of the historical barriers to talent attraction and retention remain, and skills shortages have the potential to increase if capacity and confidence are not prioritised.”

Government procurement has become increasingly complex and onerous, Alison adds.

“We need a strong ecosystem of productive businesses, ready to take the lead on innovation and collaboration – and we are keen to work with the next ACT Government to achieve that.”

Queensland

All parliamentarians and political decision makers are aware of the acute pressures in the Queensland market and are “laser focused” on the Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure agenda as well as increased infrastructure investment in renewable energy and defence, says Consult Australia’s QLD Manager, Tim Anderson.

“Longer-term planning will help the design industries to build capacity and deliver the evidence base that the incoming Queensland Government needs to weigh up options, maximise cost benefits, deliver community value and improve social outcomes.” Tim says.

Consult Australia also urges future Queensland governments to take a whole-of-government view of planned project releases. “We need to better coordinate project releases. A steady stream of projects supports market sustainability. We look forward to working with the next Queensland Government to achieve this.”

Consult Australia's advocacy work is member-driven. Find out how you can get involved in roundtables, committees and strategic forums. Or download the policy priorities, informed by member insight, that Consult Australia is taking to the Northern Territory, ACT and Queensland elections.