The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) today expressed support for legislation introduced by the Federal Government to implement recommendations of the recent independent review of Infrastructure Australia (IA).
"The amendments to the Infrastructure Australia Act would enhance the ability of IA to focus more effectively on priorities for nationally significant infrastructure and to undertake more robust evaluations of infrastructure proposals," Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox, said today.
"The proposed changes will establish IA as the peak infrastructure advisory body in Australia and, as such, will give it a more effective role in relation to the development and implementation of infrastructure priorities.
"There is also value in the proposal to adjust the governance structure of IA by introducing a three Commissioner model to replace the existing Board model. Having full-time Commissioners will enable IA to more efficiently focus on identified priorities and expeditiously complete evaluations and reviews.
"Ai Group strongly supports a proposal announced by the Government to establish an Advisory Board incorporating experts from the infrastructure and related sectors to provide additional support to IA and its Commissioners.
"Industry has been seeking greater input into the identification of priority infrastructure projects, how they are developed, evaluated, procured and delivered. And an Advisory Board model is an important means by which industry may assist governments across the country to deliver projects in accordance with nationally consistent procurement rules and in a way that maintains the sustainability of contractors and their supply chains.
"Ai Group, through its Construction Supply Chain Council, will be asking the Government to ensure that industry's position is considered in the planned revision of IA's Statement of Expectations.
"We will work collaboratively with IA and its Commissioners to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of IA's operations in the interests of industry and the community," Mr Willox said.
