This policy applies to the provision of public infrastructure and any infrastructure related service delivery that may involve private investment or financing. The term 'infrastructure' can extend beyond physical assets to encompass major information technology procurements. In this context 'service delivery' may encompass accommodation services arising out of infrastructure or building-related services such as maintenance and some support services. The government will determine the extent of private sector involvement in service delivery on a case by case basis. The policy application will cover a diversity of different projects and a range of contractual relationship models.
This policy applies to public infrastructure projects where the expected whole-of-life project cost will exceed $100 million net present value (NPV) during the term of the contractual relationship.
The policy applies to all such projects entered into by government departments except for the following:
- certain standard design and construction projects such as office buildings with long-term government tenants
- information and communication (ITC) projects
- Government owned corporations and category 1 water authorities seeking community service obligation funding to procure new infrastructure
- general procurement of services by the government where infrastructure is not being provided, for example through professional consulting services.
The portfolio minister may write to the Cabinet Budget Review Committee seeking to exempt from the policy a project which lies above the threshold, or include a project that lies below the threshold, having first consulted with the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning and the Treasurer.