Australia’s transport sector is urging the next federal government to confront declining construction productivity.

Roads Australia Chief Executive Ehssan Veiszadeh says the country’s stagnant productivity – particularly in infrastructure delivery – is fuelling project delays, inflating costs and eroding public services.

The Queensland government has announced the appointment of a new leadership team to spearhead a major overhaul of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), marking what it calls a “critical step to improve customer service, better protect consumers and restore trust” in the state’s construction watchdog.

Source: Build Australia

Whether it’s annoying potholes on local highways, rusty steel on massive bridges or dilapidated rail networks, ageing public infrastructure is easy to spot in small towns and big cities.

As funding for upgrades and improvements has traditionally fallen short, vital public infrastructure has been left to rapidly deteriorate. Meanwhile, climate change is the latest challenge for roads, bridges, water plants and more. Increasingly, natural disasters are subjecting infrastructure to intensifying stress, strain and destruction.

Source: Infrastructure Magazine

Infrastructure Victoria has named 50 priorities for the state across housing, energy, transport, health, social infrastructure and the environment as part of its draft 30-year infrastructure strategy. 

Source: Infrastructure Magazine

Against a backdrop of global uncertainty and ahead of an imminent federal election, the Budget focuses on reducing cost-of-living pressure through energy bill relief, additional tax cuts and health support, while also seeking to build longer-term economic security by investing in innovation and infrastructure.

Source: Engineers Australia

Australia’s construction industry is set to hit new heights in 2025, with several transformative projects shaping the nation’s landscape. From infrastructure developments to innovative buildings, these projects promise to boost economic growth, improve connectivity, and set benchmarks in sustainability and design.

Source: Draftech

The recent 25% tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminium imports are set to disrupt global trade, with significant consequences for Australia. Dr. Scott French from UNSW Business School warns against reactionary protectionist policies, instead advocating for strategic adaptability and trade diversification in the Indo-Pacific region.

While Australian metal producers and miners will face immediate challenges, the broader impact on global supply chains and economic stability is a major concern. With retaliatory tariffs from China, Canada, and Mexico further complicating trade, Australian policymakers must focus on maintaining competitiveness rather than resorting to protective tariffs.

Source: UNSW.

As procurement practices continue to evolve, businesses need to stay ahead of emerging trends to ensure they’re prepared for the challenges of 2025. From digital transformation to sustainability pressures, procurement teams are expected to adopt new tools, technologies, and strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve supplier relationships.

Source: Tradogram