ABAB September 2025 Communiqué: Digital Enablement as a National Imperative

On 2 September 2025, the Australasian BIM Advisory Board (ABAB) came together for its third meeting of the year, united by a clear ambition: to elevate digital enablement as a national priority for infrastructure and asset management. The hybrid meeting drew voices from government and, industry, all contributing to a conversation about how BIM and Digital Engineering (DE) can unlock productivity, reduce risk, and support decarbonisation in an economy under pressure.

BIM and DE are not discretionary extras, but essential enablers of smarter, leaner, and more coordinated delivery. Members reflected on how digitalisation speaks directly to government priorities, from productivity and fiscal responsibility to sustainability and how these benefits must be framed in language that resonates with senior decision-makers, not just technical audiences. As Chair, Andrew Curthoys said, “We need to articulate the value proposition of BIM/DE to senior decision-makers.”

The discussion was grounded in real-world progress. Queensland outlined its ongoing evolution of the digital enablement principles and that a Transport and Main Roads project was a finalist in the buildingSMART International Awards which was commended by all.

Another theme throughout the day was the importance of harmonisation which will build industry confidence, support training and investment, and enable cross-border collaboration. This approach also aligns with national efforts to streamline regulation and improve labour mobility.

ABAB received a two very informative presentations. One from Scott Beazley highlighting the integration of digital tools and processes throughout the building lifecycle and another presentation from Chris Raitviir from Tallinn, Estonia, on the approaches that the Estonian Government has taken and the achievements it is making utilising BIM/DE and Digital Twins in planning and development in Estonia. Andrew Curthoys, remarked, “…this was world leading and all jurisdictions across Australia and New Zealand could draw inspiration and significant insights from this approach!”

Looking ahead, ABAB committed to action. A procurement-focused webinar will be held to help stakeholders embed digital deliverables into contracts, addressing gaps in understanding and ensuring that data requirements are clearly defined from the outset. This follows examples earlier in the year from Transport for NSW, where macro-enabled tools convert BIM outputs into asset management templates, streamlining handover and improving data usability. A working group will also be formed to craft compelling messages and case studies that demonstrate the return on investment of digital enablement shifting the perception of BIM and DE from cost centres to productivity drivers.

Members also discussed the need for repeatable case studies, citing the Victorian Level Crossing Removal Programme as a leading example of structured evaluation and continuous improvement.

The Board has also commenced work on a new position paper, showcasing how digitalisation delivers tangible productivity gains, with examples from the earliest phases of projects. This paper will be released later this year.

The meeting closed with a renewed focus on advocacy. ABAB is preparing to engage with key government stakeholders to ensure BIM and DE are recognised as central to national productivity and infrastructure reform.

What continues to define ABAB is its shared purpose and collective expertise. As Australasia builds towards a digital and decarbonised future, it is collaboration across jurisdictions, across disciplines, across sectors that will determine success.

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