Australia stands at a critical inflection point. The nation faces an unprecedented wave of construction demand – from delivering 1.2m new homes and upgrading defence facilities, to building renewable energy projects, data centres and critical transport and social infrastructure. Collectively these commitments represent hundreds of billions in public and private investment – and a once in a generation opportunity to strengthen Australia’s social and economic foundations.

But to meet these needs, Australia’s construction industry must evolve fast. Success will depend on breaking down silos between government, owners, contractors, designers, financiers and technology providers. It will require new forms of partnership and procurement, smarter use of data and digital tools, and a willingness to embrace industrialised, sustainable and AI-enabled methods of delivery.