Australia's response to the recent natural disasters, pandemic, global economic change and geopolitical shifts have demonstrated how this country has the economic strength and institutional robustness to respond positively, and the infrastructure capability to adapt to a new normal.
Australians are living in a period of unprecedented uncertainty. For this reason, our reforms are based on scenarios developed that factor uncertainty and account for multiple futures.
This approach ensures that, wherever possible, the reforms offer a clear path to an Australia that is economically and socially stronger.
To build a stronger Australia, infrastructure planning and policies must incorporate the distinct geographies, demographics and localised needs of diverse communities.
We have therefore considered three cross-sectoral themes in the 2021 Plan: Place-based outcomes for communities; Sustainability and resilience; and Industry productivity and innovation. These support a more holistic vision for infrastructure development.
The 2021 Plan also considers for the first time the critical sectors of social infrastructure and waste.
It does not attempt to cover all aspects of the infrastructure sector. Rather, reforms are focused on the most pertinent issues, as identified in our 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit and through extensive stakeholder consultation.4