✦ Plain-English Summary

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Public Consultancy and Services Contracts Bill 2025

What it does

Creates a new parliamentary committee made up of senators and MPs to review and approve government contracts when federal agencies hire consultants. The committee would have the power to block consultancy contracts before they're signed if it thinks they're problematic.

Why it matters

Government consultancy spending has been controversial — sometimes hundreds of millions go to private consulting firms for advice. This gives parliament direct oversight rather than leaving these spending decisions entirely to individual government departments. It's a check on how taxpayer money gets spent on outside expertise.

Key details

• Who it affects: Any federal government agency (like Department of Health, Defence, Treasury) wanting to hire consultants for specialist advice, research, evaluations, or recommendations

• What triggers review: Contracts involving professional expertise, problem-solving, or developing intellectual outputs to help government decision-making — basically the bulk of significant consultancy work

• The veto power: The committee can refuse to let a contract go ahead, forcing agencies to reconsider or redesign the arrangement

• Timing: Starts the day after the bill gets Royal Assent (final approval)

Official Description

Establishes a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Public Consultancy and Services Contracts to review, consider and report on consultancy and services contracts entered into by Commonwealth entities.

Committee Referrals

Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Commitee

No votes yet.

Be the first to vote on this bill.