Australian Government

Upon receipt of the 2021 Plan in August 2021, the Australian Government has flagged its intention to work alongside the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications to formally respond to Infrastructure Australia's reform recommendations. The Australian Government's response to the 2016 Australian Infrastructure Plan was delivered 12 months after publication of the 2016 Plan.

For those 2021 Plan recommendations that are partially or wholly supported by the Australian Government, then the next steps would require sponsor and lead departments or agencies, to identify implementation plans and associated resource requirements.

The role of sponsor will be critical to ensure national consistency, collaboration across Jurisdictions and common measurement of outcomes. The role of the lead agency involves ownership of outcomes and delivery of specific actions.

Although the analysis within the 2021 Plan provides an important strategic assessment of national reform priorities, agencies should continue to employ best practice policy and regulation development. The Office of Best Practice Regulation has published a new Regulatory Impact Analysis Guide for Ministers' Meetings and National Standards Setting Bodies.5

Infrastructure Australia acknowledges that progress towards outcomes, or their associated activities, may not be possible within the existing funding. Progress will therefore be dependent on funding being reallocated within Australian government agencies.

Key activities for the Australian Government include:

•  Delivery of the Australian Government's Response to the 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan.

•  Development of policy documents to provide clear statements on government positions, including alignment to the advice of Infrastructure Australia.

•  Identification and coordination of reform, including the preparation of Regulatory Impact Statements.

•  A plan to drive change in industry and community behaviours, including communication and education campaigns.

•  Implementation frameworks to support inter-jurisdiction and industry collaboration.