Australia: Government Contracts, Procurement & PPP

The Victorian Government has launched a Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects, examining allegations of corruption, criminal conduct and serious misconduct across major construction projects. The inquiry will scrutinise procurement practices, labour hire arrangements, subcontracting models, supply chains, project governance and government oversight, with implications extending far beyond Victoria's borders.

South Australia has announced a Royal Commission into Artificial Intelligence, set to commence in October 2026 and deliver findings by July 2027. The inquiry will examine AI's economic and social impacts across policy, education, public services, workforce transformation, and infrastructure. Businesses using or developing AI should prepare for potential regulatory reforms and consider engaging with the inquiry process.

Space-related assets are becoming investable for infrastructure investors, with opportunities in ground stations, mission control assets, data-processing facilities and dual-use platforms. However, investors must carefully evaluate technology refresh risks, regulatory complexities including spectrum and orbital rights, and revenue bankability through counterparty quality rather than relying solely on sector growth projections.

Failing to address the allocation of cost escalation risk between negotiating parties at the ‘front end’ can create fertile ground for project delays, or even abandonment...

On 7 May 2026, the Federal Government announced a mandatory domestic gas reservation scheme, to be legislated through Parliament.

The NSW Parliament has introduced the Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026, proposing sweeping changes to the state's building approval system and certifier responsibilities. While the Bill aims to streamline approvals and reduce red tape to meet housing targets, it controversially repeals the unpopular Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 only to reinstate many of its key requirements, potentially facing significant industry opposition particularly from private certifiers whose liability

The updated CPRs not only introduce changes to clarify existing rules but also include changes to thresholds and other substantive amendments.

The Commonwealth Department of Finance will implement new Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) on 17 November 2025. These rules govern how Commonwealth entities procure financial and nonfinancial goods and services.

Recent NSW Land & Environment Court decisions underscore the evolving law of compulsory land acquisition & the importance of factual precision & fair negotiation.