New inquiry into govt-funded infrastructure procurement

A new federal parliamentary inquiry will examine procurement practices for infrastructure funded by governments at all levels.

The inquiry, to be conducted by the House of Representatives
Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, will also examine
the potential to enhance the sovereign capability of Australian industry.

The Commonwealth has committed $110 billion to a 10-year
infrastructure pipeline, as part of Australia’s Economic Recovery Plan. This
includes $15.2 billion in new commitments to infrastructure projects in the
2021-22 Budget.

Committee chairman John Alexander said: “Given the size of
this investment, it is important that procurement practices for these
government-funded infrastructure projects provide the best value for tax-payer
dollars and support developing Australian industry capabilities and Australian
jobs.

“We are keen to hear about: what is working well here and
internationally; opportunities to improve procurement practices; and how
governments at all levels can better cooperate on infrastructure procurement.”

The committee is inviting submissions addressing any or all of the terms of reference.

Submissions must be submitted before COB 16 July 2021.