NSW Treasurer outlines vision for construction productivity reforms

At the Foundations and Frontiers 2026 forum in Sydney, New South Wales Treasurer Daniel Mookhey addressed the need for improved construction productivity and project delivery within the state. Industry leaders from the Australian Constructors Association challenged the government to make NSW one of the nation’s most attractive markets for major projects.

Treasurer Mookhey outlined a vision to strengthen industry capability and ensure better value for taxpayers regarding infrastructure investments. He emphasized that the government, as a major client, must improve project development by providing clearer scopes, more realistic risk assessments, and consistent requirements. He also called for earlier industry engagement and a shift away from adversarial contests toward resolving claims more efficiently.

Furthermore, the Treasurer noted a need to move beyond selecting the lowest apparent tender price, advocating instead for bids that are credible, deliverable, and offer long-term value over the full life of an asset.