At AMPEAK 2025, AssetFuture had the pleasure of hosting a fireside chat with Michael Meurer, Director of Strategic Asset Planning at TAFE NSW. The conversation focused on how TAFE NSW has simplified the asset management narrative through data-driven strategies, clear leadership and communication. TAFE NSW’s approach has enabled smarter, more informed investment decisions in a dynamic environment marked by increasing uncertainty, fiscal constraints, and competitive pressure.
Clarity and Ownership Drive Success
TAFE NSW’s asset management transformation began by identifying a crucial issue: while consultant reports had outlined necessary changes, implementation and execution of the plan remained a challenge. To address this, the team had to move beyond recommendations to clear ownership and accountability.
Simplifying processes and ensuring stakeholders understood their roles were key to success. A structured change management process clarified responsibilities and established dedicated task forces to ensure consistent follow-through.
Simplicity is Key to Asset Management Maturity
Michael suggested that Asset Management is not 'a deep dark science', it's a way of thinking. Making it simple and consumable ensures broader engagement, reduces the risk of exclusivity, and makes it easier for stakeholders to buy into the vision.
For example, there was a desire for data-driven decision-making and scenario planning to support justifiable funding requests. Michael explained that TAFE NSW invested in high-quality, condition-based data across all asset types. However, to secure stakeholder buy-in, it was essential to remove the complexity around the data.
Understanding “What’s in it for them”
Translating complex asset management concepts into simple, relatable narratives is crucial. Treasury and Service Delivery teams must see 'what's in it for them' to engage effectively, with data supporting their advocacy.
With the increasing rate of change in facility types and requirements across TAFE NSW's dynamic environment, a symbiotic relationship between Service Delivery and asset management is essential.
So, how do we best communicate this narrative?
By distilling complexity and recognising that not all stakeholders have the same asset management skillset. Using data and systems to quantify need and justify investment, TAFE NSW was able to prepare compelling narratives for audiences such as Treasury – who bring strong expertise in accountancy and economic modelling, but may not have technical asset management, accountancy, or economic modelling capabilities.
Taking the time to communicate clearly, TAFE NSW enabled Treasury stakeholders to confidently advocate for funding. They were able to explain the rationale and value of investment decisions without getting lost in translation.
Laying the Groundwork for Smarter Investment
To truly drive value, asset investment planning must be integrated into the organisation’s strategic framework. Clear leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential to ensure that asset management is viewed not as a siloed task but as a core function linked to broader business objectives.