Inquiry into Financial Support for State and Territory Infrastructure Projects

Advocacy | Submission to the Senate Committee on Finance and Public Administration Inquiry into financial support for State and Territory Infrastructure Projects

Australia is currently reviewing how federal funding supports infrastructure projects delivered by state and territory governments. The parliamentary inquiry is focused on whether current funding processes are effective, transparent and delivering the right outcomes for communities, economies and regions across the country.

The inquiry is examining how projects are prioritised and funded, how business cases and project viability are assessed, and how broader economic, social and community impacts are considered when investment decisions are made. It is also looking closely at governance, oversight and public accountability across the life of funded infrastructure projects.

Why this matters

Infrastructure investment shapes how communities live, move, work and transition through major national shifts — including energy transition, housing supply and productivity reform. Strong governance and transparent decision-making are increasingly recognised as critical to building community trust and ensuring projects deliver long-term value.

From an engagement perspective, infrastructure is not only physical — it is also social. When communities are involved early and meaningfully, projects are more likely to move faster, face less opposition and deliver stronger long-term outcomes.

What this submission contributes

This submission reinforces the importance of embedding community and stakeholder insight into infrastructure funding and delivery decisions. It supports stronger transparency, consistent national approaches and clearer consideration of social and community outcomes alongside economic and technical assessment.

It also highlights the opportunity to strengthen capability across governments and projects so engagement is treated as a core component of infrastructure success — not an optional add-on.

Read the full submission here…