Reforms to funding arrangements needed for public infrastructure

Key Points:

We need a mature debate on reforms to funding arrangements for public infrastructure, if we are to address Australia's infrastructure deficit.

If I had to list the three most significant challenges to the development of public infrastructure in Australia, they would be (1) funding; (2) funding; and (3) funding.

That's not to say that there are not other significant challenges facing the development of public infrastructure in Australia. For example, PPPs clearly have a role to play in relation to the financing and efficient delivery of infrastructure projects, and means by which we can further improve the efficiency of the PPP model, and expand its application, need to be continuously explored. However, such challenges pale into insignificance compared to the funding challenge.