Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Public Consultancy and Services Contracts Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned the introduction of legislation to establish a joint parliamentary committee for reviewing and approving high-value consultancy contracts. The sole speaker argued that the bill was necessary to provide greater oversight and transparency regarding significant government expenditure on advisory services. The proposal aimed to implement a recommendation from a previous committee inquiry into consulting services integrity. The debate was adjourned after the opening speech, with leave granted to continue remarks later.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned with leave granted for the member to continue remarks later.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Richard Colbeck (TAS) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Colbeck moved the second reading of the bill, arguing it would establish a joint committee to review consultancy contracts exceeding two million dollars. Colbeck stated the legislation was required to ensure parliamentary oversight of the 3.272 billion dollars spent on management advisory contracts in 2022-23. Colbeck noted the bill implemented a recommendation from the Finance and Public Administration References Committee regarding the integrity of consulting services. Colbeck compared the proposed scrutiny to that applied to public works under the Public Works Act 1969. Colbeck asserted the bill would safeguard accountability and value for money without being adversarial.