While the Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed investments in infrastructure and housing in the federal government's budget for 2025-26, they have emphasised that further action is necessary, urging the appointment of a federal government architect.
The budget, released on 25 March, precedes the upcoming federal election scheduled for 3 May 2025. It allocates $54 million to accelerate the adoption of modern construction methods, such as prefabrication and modular building, in an effort to increase housing supply. The budget included a further $17.1 billion investment over ten years for road and rail projects.
In a recent communique, the national president of the Institute Jane Cassidy has highlighted that while the contributions to housing and infrastructure are valued, a national, design-led approach should be adopted to ensure these public investments address the challenges of rapid urbanisation, climate change and housing affordability, as well as provide lasting social, economic and environmental benefits to communities.
Cassidy stated that in the lead-up to the federal election, the Institute is calling for the appointment of a federal government architect within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to maximise the funding and achieve long-term, high quality design outcomes.
