Opened the debate
Pocock argued that the bill strengthens the procurement framework by prohibiting contracts with entities involved in unethical conduct, specifically citing the PwC tax leaks scandal. Pocock contended that the current system lacks a national debarment regime, leaving the Commonwealth unable to formally ban firms that misuse confidential information or defraud the tax system. Pocock highlighted that at least 20 other jurisdictions have such exclusion frameworks, noting recommendations from the OECD, the Senate Economics References Committee, and the Australian Law Reform Commission. Pocock stated that the bill would create a public register of excluded entities and prevent suppliers with adverse impacts on integrity from winning contracts for up to five years. Pocock also criticised the government for allowing PwC to tender again and for increasing spending on external consultants despite pre-election pledges to reduce such expenditure.