Portfolio — 31 July 2026

**National Convention and Entertainment Centre tender released**

The Minister issued a single media release on 31 July, announcing the release of a tender for the new National Convention and Entertainment Centre in Canberra [TA-260731-infras-6bc866288fd3:m00AMR]. The Australian and ACT Governments jointly issued the tender to appoint a specialist consultant team responsible for developing the project's business case and initial reference design [TA-260731-infras-6bc866288fd3:m00AMR].

The centre represents a $31 million Australian Government commitment under the National Capital Investment Framework, a mechanism directing federal investment into Canberra's civic infrastructure [TA-260731-infras-6bc866288fd3:m00AMR]. The project aims to transform the city centre and attract major conventions, business events, and cultural activities to the national capital [TA-260731-infras-6bc866288fd3:m00AMR].

The tender represents the first procurement step for the project, with the consultant team to produce the business case that will inform subsequent investment and delivery decisions.

**Portfolio delivery pattern across the week**

The announcement extends a week of visible infrastructure delivery across the portfolio [TA-260731-infras-6bc866288fd3:m00AMR]. The Western Sydney Airport cargo precinct reached its operational launch earlier in the week. Earthworks also commenced at the Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium.

The convention centre tender continues this pattern of advancing major projects from funding commitment toward execution [TA-260731-infras-6bc866288fd3:m00AMR]. The three developments span aviation, sporting, and civic cultural infrastructure, illustrating the breadth of the portfolio's current delivery agenda.

**Project stage and outlook**

The tender seeks a consultant team to undertake business case and reference design work, placing the National Convention and Entertainment Centre at an early planning stage [TA-260731-infras-6bc866288fd3:m00AMR]. Construction timelines, total project cost beyond the $31 million federal commitment, and the ACT Government's financial contribution are not specified in the released material.

The joint Australian-ACT Government approach indicates a collaborative model for the project's development. The business case and reference design phase will determine the project's pace and scope before further commitments are made.