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What Labor’s 2025 Federal Election Win Means for Construction and Infrastructure
The campaigning is over, the polls have closed, and as final tallies confirm Labour’s federal election victory, attention now turns to what lies ahead, particularly for the construction and infrastructure sectors. With a bold mandate, the Albanese Government is poised to roll out a suite of policies aimed at tackling housing shortages, modernising infrastructure, and accelerating the shift to renewable energy.
Here’s a breakdown of the key initiatives and projects worth watching in the next three years.
Housing and Construction Initiatives
- National Housing Accord
Labor has reaffirmed its commitment to building 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The National Housing Accord is central to this vision, targeting improved affordability and housing supply.
- Housing Australia Future Fund
A $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund will be activated to deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes over five years. The fund guarantees a minimum annual disbursement of $500 million, with built-in indexation from 2029 to ensure long-term viability.
- Workforce Development
With skilled labour shortages affecting construction timelines, the government plans to fast-track the training of 6,000 tradies and offer a $10,000 incentive for apprentices entering the construction industry—an essential step to supporting housing and infrastructure delivery.
Infrastructure and Energy Projects
- Rewiring the Nation
Labor is injecting $20 billion into the “Rewiring the Nation” initiative, upgrading Australia’s electricity grid to support a more resilient and renewable-focused energy system.
- High-Speed Rail Development
The newly formed High Speed Rail Authority will receive $500 million to kickstart development of a high-speed rail corridor between Sydney and Newcastle, with long-term plans to link up major eastern seaboard cities.
- National Broadband Network (NBN) Upgrade
A $3 billion NBN upgrade will connect 95% of households and businesses to high-speed fibre networks, helping to bridge the digital divide and improve connectivity across the country.
- Renewable Energy Targets
The government is ramping up its renewable efforts, aiming for 82% renewable electricity by 2030, supported by solar battery subsidies and further expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
Regional Infrastructure Development
To boost regional resilience and unlock growth, Labor will reinstate the 80:20 federal funding model for nationally significant road projects. An additional $500 million will be allocated to regional councils for local road upgrades and maintenance, a welcome boost for infrastructure in remote and underserved communities.
Key Queensland Projects to Watch
- Maroochydore Railway Line
The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail is finally moving forward, with $5.5 billion secured for stage one, connecting Beerwah to Caloundra. The project aims to ease congestion and improve regional connectivity ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, with construction set to begin in 2026.
- Bruce Highway Upgrades
Critical works are scheduled along the Bruce Highway, including upgrades to the Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway section and the Goorganga Overtaking Lanes near Proserpine—both aimed at improving safety and easing bottlenecks.
- Brisbane Metro Expansion
The popular Brisbane Metro service is flagged for future expansion, with future routes to Carseldine, Capalaba, Springwood, and Brisbane Airport in development. This expansion forms part of a $28.9 billion investment in Queensland’s transport network over the next decade.