NSW GovernmentCommercial OffsetFramework

Icon of a classical government building with a dome.
Client Name
Infrastructure NSW (INSW)
Industry
General government
Capabilities
Government policy, Strategy

The Challenge

To address rising infrastructure demands, budget constraints, and inconsistent asset divestment practices, the NSW Government developed the Commercial Offset Framework (COF). The framework enables agencies to identify and assess commercial opportunities—such as co-ventures, land divestments, and private financing—to reduce reliance on public funding and enhance project value.

The Action

Polis Partners supported the refinement and rollout of the COF alongside Infrastructure NSW, including:

  • Aligning COF policy with the Investment Assurance Framework and Treasury Gateway process
  • Designing a three-stage commercial assessment linked to project milestones
  • Establishing market engagement protocols for transparent private sector
    participation
  • Creating governance structures, including the Commercial Assurance Pane
  • Developing tools to streamline agency processes and improve business case
    quality

The Results

The COF now provides a consistent, transparent approach for integrating commercial offsets into capital planning. It has improved investment decisionmaking, reduced funding pressure on government, and strengthened private sector engagement while safeguarding public value.

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