Andrew Valente from NSW Treasury, joins our Branch Council in Australia

We are pleased to welcome on board Andrew Valente, Executive Director at NSW Treasury, as a new member of our Branch Council in Australia:

We asked Andrew couple of questions:

• If you could personally change or influence one thing within infrastructure and/or energy, what would it be?

Andrew: If I could influence one thing, it would be greater alignment around transparent, integrated data capture across all parties delivering major infrastructure and energy projects. When all stakeholders are working from the same trusted information, decisions can be made collectively, risks can be addressed earlier, and each organisation can use that data within its own digital environment without losing consistency or context. Done well, this creates a more sustainable model for partnerships, improves confidence in delivering projects on time and on budget, and ultimately strengthens confidence in continued infrastructure investment. Better data doesn’t just improve projects – it improves the way the industry works together.

• Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to yourself at the start of your career?

Andrew: I’d tell myself to invest in building a strong workplace culture and professional relationships, not just strong technical skills. The best outcomes come from working with people who trust each other enough to ask for advice, challenge ideas, and step in to support one another when it matters. That culture doesn’t have to stop at the boundaries of your own team. Some of the most valuable professional relationships you’ll build are across the broader industry. When people are willing to share knowledge and work together, everyone benefits – from individuals and organisations through to the projects we deliver.

• What do you hope to bring to the Australia Council?

Andrew: Having worked across construction, legal and commercial roles in both the public and private sectors, I’ve developed a broad perspective on what makes partnerships successful. That experience has given me an appreciation for the different priorities each party brings to the table and the importance of finding practical solutions that create value for everyone. I hope to bring that perspective to the Australia Council by supporting the continued evolution of infrastructure and energy projects in Australia. There is a real opportunity to learn from global counterparts, apply lessons from other jurisdictions, and translate those insights into approaches that are practical, accessible, and ultimately improve outcomes for the industry.

Please see the full Australia Branch Council below: