The 2025/26 federal budget is here. Once again, the government has made project-work and project-based industries the focus of its investment.

This article looks at some of the key government investments in project-based industries.

If you aren’t familiar with projects and project management, read our simple explainer here.

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Construction & Infrastructure Projects

The government is spending $17.1 billion on new and existing road and rail projects. Projects include:

• $2 billion to upgrade Sunshine Station as part of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link).
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• $1 billion for the Road Blitz with the Victorian Government.
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• $1 billion towards supporting the South West Sydney Rail Extension.
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• $200 million for the duplication of the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Katherine.

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A further $7.2 billion will be used to upgrade the Bruce Highway.

The government is also focusing on building more homes.  It takes the government’s total commitment to building more homes for Australians to $33 billion.

This includes:

• $54 million towards increasing the use of prefabricated and modular houses.
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• $4.9 million to continue programs that help people buy homes in regional areas and for families.
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• $4.6 million to support the National Housing Delivery Coordinator, who works with State and Territory Governments to build homes.

Read more about the importance of project management for the construction and infrastructure industry here.

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Renewable Energy Projects

The federal government continues to invest in renewable energy projects. It will invest $2 billion in the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Australia's "green bank." The CEFC helps fund renewable energy, energy-saving, and emissions reduction projects.

The government will continue to invest in Australia’s metal industry as part of its Future Made in Australia plan. This includes $2 billion for Green Aluminium Production Credits and $1 billion for the Green Iron Investment Fund, which will help upgrade the Whyalla Steelworks.

The government is also working on the $1.5 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund. This fund will help green metal, clean energy technology, and low-carbon fuel projects. The previous 2024/25 budget has already allocated $22.7 billion for this fund.

Finally, the budget includes $1.2 billion to help pay for the damage caused by recent natural disasters, like Cyclone Alfred and the Queensland floods. It also includes $28.8 million over two years to improve disaster response and resilience, and $354 million over four years to fund flood resilience projects.

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Healthcare Projects

The government is putting $657.9 million towards opening 50 new urgent care clinics. It will also provide $1.8 billion in one-time funding to support public hospitals and health services through the National Health Reform Agreement.

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Technology Projects

The government will invest $3 billion in NBN Co. to upgrade Australia’s remaining fibre-to-the-node network. This will provide faster and more reliable broadband for all Australians. The government will also invest in the following projects:

• $207 million to improve and update the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) business registers.
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• $6.7 million to the National Anti-Scam Centre within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

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A large proportion of investment in technology projects relates to healthcare. For example:

• $228.7 million will be spent to update My Health Record and improve digital health systems.
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• $53.2 million to implement the Single Assessment System and support the digital changes in the Aged Care Act 2024.
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• $37.8 million in 2025–26 to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for the staged digital implementation of the Aged Care Act 2024.
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• $17.1 million in 2025–26 to help the National Disability Insurance Scheme find and stop fraud and incorrect payments.
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• $5.7 million in 2025–26 to keep Australia’s electronic prescribing infrastructure running smoothly.

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What does this mean for Project Management?

The government is committing substantial resources to significant infrastructure projects, such as upgrading roads and rail networks and building more homes. These projects not only require careful planning and coordination but also effective project management to keep them on track. Project managers will play a key role in implementing these projects, from securing funding to managing logistics to ensuring the projects are completed. Read more about the Growing Demand for Project Managers here.

In addition to infrastructure, the government is investing heavily in renewable energy and technology projects. These projects come with their own set of challenges. Ensuring that investments in renewable energy and the digital transformation of healthcare systems are executed requires a thorough understanding of project management principles.

With healthcare investments, including the opening of new urgent care clinics and upgrades to digital health records, the government is focusing on improving access and services for Australians. Like infrastructure projects, healthcare initiatives require careful project management to avoid delays and ensure that resources are used effectively.

Australia will continue to grow, one project at a time. The federal government’s investments in large-scale projects are critical for Australia’s future. However, with such significant commitments, the importance of effective project management cannot be overstated. Skilled project managers can ensure to that these initiatives are delivered successfully, on time, and within budget. With effective project management, these projects will help create a stronger, more sustainable Australia for everyone.

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