IFM Investors (IFM) welcomes the Federal Government's endorsement of the Defence Estate Audit recommendation to establish a dedicated function in Defence to work with private sector partners on future infrastructure delivery.
For almost two decades, IFM has worked in close partnership with Defence to steward nationally significant Defence infrastructure through long‑term, trusted partnerships.
This includes the delivery of shared‑use runway upgrades at RAAF Darwin, alongside Darwin International Airport, and the first public‑private partnership with Defence, Headquarters Joint Operations Command in NSW, where IFM has invested since 2008 and continues to support a major capability upgrade program.
The Defence Estate Audit recognises the important role that trusted private partners can play in supporting the financing, sustainment and modernisation of Defence infrastructure.
IFM welcomes this acknowledgement and supports efforts to identify alternate finance and delivery models as major Defence infrastructure programs progress.
As a long-term infrastructure investor, IFM invests in significant national infrastructure in Australia, including airports, ports, energy, roads and defence infrastructure.
Quotes attributable to IFM Investors Head of Infrastructure, Australia, Michael Hanna:
"IFM has worked alongside Defence for many years as a trusted partner in the financing, delivery and stewardship of critical national infrastructure."
"The Defence Estate Audit reinforces the value of long-term, collaborative approaches to infrastructure delivery and stewardship."
"We look forward to continuing to support Government-led processes and, where appropriate, to contribute to future defence infrastructure projects that strengthen Australia's national resilience."
"We invest patiently and strategically, with a focus on generating risk adjusted returns for the working people we invest on behalf of. Investing in national resilience is crucial to our long-term strategy."
About IFM Investors
IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities. Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people.
With assets under management of approximately $266 billion AUD as of 31 December 2025, we serve 831 institutional investors worldwide, operating from 16 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.
