Massive amount spent on Govt consultants, contractors
Despite promises to slash consultant and contractor spending in 2019, an analysis of State Government department annual reports has revealed the huge amount taxpayers paid for these workers.
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Taxpayers have footed the bill for an increased cash-splash on consultants and contractors for some State Government departments despite last year vowing to crack down on this very spending.
An analysis of annual reports of multiple government departments by The Courier-Mail has revealed more than $342 million was spent on consultants and contractors during 2019-20.
This is an increase of more than $34.3 million from the previous year.
It comes after the Government announced a Service Priority Review Office to slash consultancy and contractor spending in 2019 following a major review of the public service by former QUT Vice-Chancellor Peter Coaldrake.
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LNP treasury spokesman Tim Mander claimed the figures were “more proof” the Government was “addicted to wasteful spending”.
“Let’s not forget Labor spent $10 million on consultants to reduce the spending on other consultants,” he said.
“Every dollar Labor wastes is taxpayer’s money that can’t be spent on job-creating projects that stimulate our economy and drag us out of recession.
“Without a budget, or a plan its clear Labor has zero economic credibility.”
But a government spokesman said projects with a limited lifespan or specialist needs would at time require the use of expert external consultants.
“The treasurer has been clear, part of the Palaszczuk Government’s savings plan is to reduce the use of external consultancies and contractors with a view to ending arrangements where possible,” he said.
“If a public servant can perform a task and they have the necessary skills, that should be the first option.
“The Government’s Savings and Debt Plan has already realised $320 million in overall savings.
“The LNP’s track record is wasting $70 million in taxpayer funds on external consultants to prepare Queensland’s assets for sale without a mandate.”
Some departments did not list consultancy and contractor spending in their annual reports, instead referring readers to the Government’s online data portal.
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General splashed $27.1 million in 2019-20, compared to $13.3 million the year before.
The Employment, Small Business and Training Department also paid $7.4 million more last financial year compared to the previous period.
Some departments reported a decrease in spending including Housing and Public Works which spent $85.9 million during 2019-20 compared to $98 million the year before.