Discusses the need for balancing the expenses of consultants in different departments in Queensland for the better management of the public sector.
FREMONT, CA: More than 50 million USD have been spent on consultants by Queensland government departments and agencies during the past year, with certain departments and agencies reporting large increases in their expenditures on outside contractors and consultants. In response to a major integrity review warning against an "over-reliance" on external contractors and consultants in the public service, certain Queensland government departments have witnessed significant spending increases.
Specifically, by 2023, the Department of Premier and Cabinet saw consultancy expenses rise from 842,000 to 1.6 million USD. Meanwhile, the Department of Health experienced an increase from 5.87 million to 9.89 million USD during the same period. Furthermore, the state's 16 hospital and health services collectively increased their reported consultant expenditure to 12.72 million USD in 2022-23. The Department of Education spent 3.55 million USD on consulting services in the most recent fiscal year, a 334 per cent increase over the 818,000 USD paid the year prior.
Energy and Public Works, Queensland Treasury, and Queensland Corrective Services are some of the other departments and organisations that spent over three million USD on consultants in the previous fiscal year. During the fiscal year 2022–2023, the Queensland Police Service also spent 2.95 million USD on consultants.
As part of the annual reporting requirements for Queensland government agencies and departments, the numbers have been made public. By 2023, the government as a whole reported spending more than 50 million USD on consultants, including fees paid by statutory organisations like Queensland Rail and the Residential Tenancies Authority, as well as by independent organisations like the Crime and Corruption Commission.
In the aftermath of integrity allegations, a review into the public service was ordered, and concerns were raised about an over-reliance on external contractors and consultants, emphasising that this practice was contributing to a decline in capacity within the public service. It was emphasised that government workers fulfil their responsibilities and provide advice on a daily basis. The engagement of consultants is deemed necessary when specialised skills or specific knowledge are required or when independence from the government is deemed essential.
The rise in consultancy costs across several of Queensland's largest government departments reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of public administration. As Queensland continues to address the evolving demands of its public sector, it becomes crucial to ensure that consultancy spending aligns with the overarching goal of strengthening and supporting the state's government functions effectively.
