The Review of Infrastructure Australia Cost‑Benefit Analysis Methodology 2022 examines the cost-benefit analysis framework used by Infrastructure Australia to evaluate major infrastructure proposals. The review focuses on the economic appraisal approach outlined in the Infrastructure Australia Assessment Framework 2021, which provides national guidance for preparing and assessing infrastructure business cases. It evaluates how the methodology estimates and compares the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of projects relative to a base case. The review assesses the treatment of key analytical elements including demand forecasting, risk and uncertainty, discounting, and the valuation of wider economic impacts. It also considers the role of complementary tools such as sensitivity analysis and multi-criteria assessment. The review identifies opportunities to strengthen consistency, transparency, and analytical rigour, helping improve the reliability of infrastructure project appraisals and supporting better-informed investment decisions by governments.
