Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA

Public infrastructure must be delivered efficiently—but when procurement controls weaken, public money and public trust can be placed at risk. In this episode, the Hon John Hatzistergos AM, Chief Commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, joins host David Jenkins to explore how corruption develops, where contracting systems become vulnerable and how infrastructure professio...

Fleet data is no longer just about GPS tracking — it can help councils improve service delivery, asset management, compliance, and public works operations. In this special fleet edition of Infrastructure Matters, recorded at the 2026 IPWEA Fleet Conference, Marc Sibbald, Director of Fleet at IPWEA, speaks with Dean Calapai, Global Managing Director and Founder of IntelliTrac, about how telematics,...

Parks, public spaces and green infrastructure are essential infrastructure — supporting healthier communities, better asset management and more liveable cities. In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Anand Pillay, Chief Executive Officer of Parks and Leisure Australia, joins David Jenkins, Chief Executive of IPWEA, to explore why parks and open spaces need a stronger voice in local government...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Peter Christensen and Midhun Joseph from Christchurch City Council to explore an award-winning green infrastructure project that combines flood protection, water quality improvement, ecological restoration and community value. Peter and Midhun unpack how the project was developed to respond to flood risk in southwest Christchurch while als...

Local governments have a powerful role in shaping sustainable infrastructure. In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Clare Tubolets, CEO of SmartCrete CRC, explains how the built environment sector can reduce embodied carbon in concrete and why systemic barriers — not technology — are slowing progress. Clare shares insights from SmartCrete’s national research program and discusses how procurem...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, David Jenkins speaks with Blake Gordon (Brightly) and Tamara Allen-Canny (Wagtail Red) about how regional councils can build infrastructure capability amid workforce shortages, funding constraints, and rising expectations. The discussion focuses on leadership, culture, digital tools, and practical strategies councils can apply today to close capability ga...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Megan Finnie, Senior Asset Manager at Fulton Hogan and Director, IPWEA NSW & ACT. Megan brings a unique lens on the future of public works, blending academic expertise with frontline experience. We explore workforce challenges, climate pressures, and the role of storytelling, mentoring, and systems thinking in modern infrastructure pla...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Alison Scotland, CEO of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), for a compelling conversation on driving climate action through infrastructure decarbonisation. Alison unpacks the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative, a cross-sector collaboration aimed at delivering a nationally consistent approach to carbon measurement...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, host David Jenkins sits down with Lunda Asmani, President of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and Ashay Prabhu, International Advisor to GFOA and Co-Founder of Modelve, for a deep dive into the intersection of finance, infrastructure, and asset management. Together, they explore how the United States is addressing its growing infrastruc...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, host David Jenkins sits down with Rod Balding, Chief Executive Officer of Standards Australia, to explore how national standards underpin the safety, innovation, and sustainability of Australia’s infrastructure and everyday life. Rod discusses how Standards Australia collaborates with over 7,000 volunteers to develop frameworks that impact everything from...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, to explore how long-term planning, affordability, and asset management are shaping the country’s infrastructure future. Geoff breaks down New Zealand’s new National Infrastructure Plan, highlighting the importance of balancing new projects with maintaining existing...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by the Hon. Dean Macpherson, South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. Minister Macpherson shares his ambitious vision for transforming South Africa into a “major construction site” where infrastructure drives economic growth, job creation, and national renewal. We discuss the government’s priorities, from fighting corruptio...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we sit down with Hon. Chris Bishop, New Zealand's Minister for Infrastructure, Housing, and RMA Reform, to explore the country’s long-term infrastructure vision. Speaking at the International Public Works Conference, Minister Bishop outlines his priorities for the next 10–20 years, including asset management reform, housing growth, and the development...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Peter Achterstraat, New South Wales Productivity and Equality Commissioner, for a deep dive into the state’s productivity performance, housing pressures, infrastructure challenges, and workforce capacity. Peter shares valuable insights on how productivity trends have shifted over the past century, the role of technology and regulation, and...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Rachel Chambers, former Mayor and passionate advocate for community-focused governance. Rachel brings a unique perspective to the world of infrastructure — not as an engineer or asset manager, but as an elected member who learned to navigate and champion asset management from the top. Rachel opens up about her journey from private business...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Susan Freeman-Greene, Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), for a rich discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing local councils across Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing from her background as a lawyer, mediator, and former CEO of Engineering New Zealand, Susan brings a unique perspective on the intersection of inf...

In this special episode of Infrastructure Matters, recorded live at the IPWEA Fleet Conference, we’re joined by Will Batty, Associate Vice President, Business Development - APAC at Geotab, to explore the future of fleet management through data, AI, and innovation. Will shares insights into how connected vehicle data is reshaping asset management, improving safety, and driving sustainability. From...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we speak with Chris L’Ecluse, Queensland State Manager for Teletrac Navman, about the evolving world of telematics and its transformative role in fleet safety, compliance, and culture. With a background in highway patrol and crash investigation, Chris shares how his passion for road safety led him from the police force into the telematics industry. He div...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Ursula Bryan, Chief Executive of the Institute of Asset Management (IAM), to explore how sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive infrastructure are shaping the future of asset management globally. Ursula shares valuable insights from the UK and beyond, covering challenges around decaying infrastructure, funding gaps, and the grow...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we explore the critical role of public works professionals in disaster response and resilience. Our special guest, Scott Grayson, CEO of the American Public Works Association (APWA), shares insights from his recent visit to wildfire-affected communities in Los Angeles County, where over 16,000 structures were lost. Scott discusses the challenges of disast...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we explore the evolving role of finance professionals in asset management and public service delivery. Our special guest, Tanya Garost, President of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), shares her insights on fostering collaboration, engaging elected officials, and building capacity in smaller communities. Tanya highlights Canada's success...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we explore the critical intersection of safety, technology, and collaboration in utility management. Our special guest, Mell Greenall, CEO of Before You Dig Australia, joins us to discuss the organization’s mission to protect underground infrastructure and promote safe excavation practices across Australia. Mell shares insights on overcoming regulatory ch...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we explore diversity, productivity, and sustainability challenges in Australia’s construction industry. Our special guest, Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association, shares his journey to modernize the organization, focusing on increasing female representation, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable practices. Jon discusses the...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we sit down with Romilly Madew, CEO of Engineers Australia, to tackle the pressing skills shortage in Australia’s engineering sector. Romilly shares her insights on the declining number of students pursuing STEM subjects, strategies to retain women in engineering roles, and the importance of attracting internationally trained engineers to bolster the work...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we explore the significant reforms and challenges in Australia's infrastructure sector. Our special guest, Adam Copp, CEO of Infrastructure Australia, discusses the organization’s key initiatives, including aligning more closely with government decision-making, addressing workforce shortages, and advancing decarbonization efforts. Listen in as we delve in...