Build on existing government strategies

To help mature project concepts and build an infrastructure pipeline, Northern Australia governments should de-risk investment by developing data sources that inform planning and feasibility studies in relation to potential land uses.

Governments should also design infrastructure planning, funding, procurement and maintenance frameworks to maximise opportunities for the participation of First Nations peoples and enterprises.

These should include consistent procurement policies that encourage the flow of benefits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and allow sufficient time for their enterprises and workers to develop new skills and capabilities.

The Australian Government has introduced an Indigenous Employment and Supplier-use Infrastructure Framework129 to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and supplier use in the delivery of land transport infrastructure projects that are federally funded or co-funded.

The Framework applies to projects receiving $7.5 million or more in Australian Government contributions under the current National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects.130 In some circumstances, it can apply to projects below $7.5 million if they have strong potential to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community participation.