November 17 2025 | Industry news and trends | Innovation | Tenders | Procure
Investing in social infrastructure is invariably a juggling exercise. There are multiple demands on the public purse and striking a balance between projects such as social housing which are urgently needed now and those that will fulfil a critical need in the longer term is never straightforward. Once green-lit, initiatives face a high level of scrutiny, and ensuring processes are fair, transparent and efficient is vital.
Associate Director, Infrastructure NSW David Hurrell has a wealth of experience overseeing high value social infrastructure projects in Australia. He discusses some of the client-side challenges, and how digital technology can address them, in an interview for our 2025 Social Infrastructure Outlook Report .
What’s driving investment in social infrastructure in Australia?
Government policy and the housing crisis are the two main drivers. In New South Wales, the government is heavily focused on addressing housing shortages, particularly in Sydney. While healthcare and education remain important, financial pressure are reshaping priorities. Reduced revenue from house sale stamp duty, a key income source for the state, has forced cutbacks in other areas. The focus on housing is critically important, but, with limited financial resources it’s impacting broader investment in social infrastructure.
How do you approach risk allocation in social infrastructure projects?
Effective risk allocation means placing risks with the party best equipped to manage them. We use an early engagement model, collaborating with pre-qualified suppliers to identify and address risks during the initial contract development stage. This approach ensures alignment and reduces disputes down the line. It’s worked well for projects like the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Sydney Football Stadium, both completed on time and within budget, even during Covid.
How do you ensure transparency in procurement processes?
Transparency is absolutely critical. We appoint independent probity advisors at the outset of major projects. They oversee compliance, ensure fairness, and allow contractors to raise concerns with an impartial third party. This system fosters accountability and ensures everyone has confidence in the process.
What role do digital tools play in procurement?
Digital tools are transformative. They streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance transparency. AI, for instance, can analyse data, identify trends, and improve processes. It enables procurement teams to focus on strategic decision making rather than manual, repetitive tasks. Tools like these are essential for making procurement more efficient and effective.
Are procurement teams open to adopting these tools?
At the leadership level, there’s strong support for digital adoption. Operationally, there’s some resistance due to concerns about job security. Overcoming this requires demonstrating how these tools enhance outcomes, improve workflows, and support rather than replace team members.
Delivering optimum value for the public
Public sector projects come under intense scrutiny and the entities responsible for them must be able to demonstrate they’ve conducted planning and procurement exercises that are fair and transparent. Digital technology can help project teams achieve these ends while operating more efficiently through every stage of the process.
