Current decision-making processes and governance arrangements cause the infrastructure sector to operate in a sporadic, reactive and opaque way.114
All sector participants, including industry, would benefit from a clear and consistent long-term direction for future infrastructure investment and delivery. This would improve industry productivity and infrastructure investments over the next 15 years.
In other countries, providing clarity and agreement by developing and implementing a national infrastructure vision has increased confidence among the public, industry, other tiers of government and domestic and foreign investors.115
Australia would benefit from following these international examples of good practice. It is also important to build on efforts by states and territories to date, such as the 2017 Victorian Infrastructure Plan.116
The Australian infrastructure vision should be led by the Australian Government and developed collaboratively with Jurisdictions and industry. It should be led by the Australian Government and developed collaboratively with jurisdictions and industry.
When the Australian Government takes the lead in creating a national infrastructure vision, its role will be underpinned by its experience in developing visions and directions for other sectors. The National Manufacturing Priorities (established under the Modern Manufacturing Strategy) and the National Science and Research Priorities are just two examples.117
The Australian Government's leadership and vision for infrastructure would complement commitments made by industry.118 Together, they would create a thriving infrastructure sector through a range of initiatives focused on improving culture, capacity, capability and commercial behaviours.
Establishing a national leadership network supported by representation across industry would be an effective way to build on existing good practice and drive structural change. Infrastructure Australia should lead this initiative and leverage existing good practice.
For more information on the importance of a vision for infrastructure to deliver better outcomes for communities across Australia, see the Place-based outcomes for communities chapter.