Renewed cabinet welcomed – Infrastructure Magazine
The Albanese Government has signalled its second-term infrastructure priorities, with the swearing-in of ministers this week.
Returning as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King reaffirmed the government’s commitment to disciplined investment and long-term planning.
“With the foundations set in the first term, it is time to harness the opportunity to build a better and stronger future,” she said.
King’s portfolio remains pivotal to the $213 billion infrastructure pipeline.
Key projects flagged for delivery include Melbourne Airport Rail, the Bruce Highway upgrade, and completion of Western Sydney International Airport.
The government also plans to drive productivity across construction and supply chains, while progressing consumer aviation reforms and bolstering regional air services.
The Australian Constructors Association welcomed King’s reappointment, calling it a vote of confidence in the National Construction Strategy.
CEO Jon Davies said sustained leadership is vital to closing the sector’s productivity gap.
“Close the productivity gap and you reduce labour shortages, lower building costs and ease cost-of-living pressures,” he said.
Resources Minister Madeleine King, also reappointed, will lead the rollout of the Future Gas Strategy and Critical Minerals Strategy.
She highlighted the government’s focus on sovereign capability and regional development, particularly in Northern Australia.
“Our resources industry is the engine room of the economy,” she said, linking critical minerals development to both national security and economic resilience.
Her portfolio includes support for infrastructure in Northern Australia through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
She will work alongside newly appointed assistant ministers Nita Green and Anthony Chisholm, and Special Envoy Luke Gosling.
Senator Murray Watt continues as Minister for Emergency Management, joined by Kristy McBain, who also retains her role as Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.
McBain said local governments remain crucial frontline partners in disaster recovery and community resilience, pointing to the continuation of transparent grant programs and increased local road funding.
Industry and innovation also received a boost, with Senator Tim Ayres taking on the dual roles of Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science.
Engineers Australia welcomed the appointment, urging the government to consider creating a National Chief Engineer to guide major projects.
“There is a $60 billion opportunity in decommissioning offshore oil and gas infrastructure alone,” said Chief Engineer Katherine Richards.
“Now is the time to rebuild engineering capacity in the public service.”
