Secrecy over crossing consultant’s funding

The Victorian government refuses to reveal how much a political strategist pocketed to survey the public on Daniel Andrews’ Toorak Road crossing removal.

Former Labor strategist John Armitage.

The Victorian government has refused to say how much Daniel Andrews’ secretive political strategist pocketed for a taxpayer-funded contract to survey public opinion on the Premier’s signature level crossing removal project.

Labor-aligned QDOS Research — already paid $2m to monitor the views of Victorians — was awarded the additional contract by the Level Crossing Removal Project.

The rail deal brings to 13 the number of taxpayer-funded consultancies identified by The Australian that have been handed to QDOS, run by veteran Labor strategist John Armitage, since 2016.

In February 2019, QDOS compiled an analysis of “community perceptions” to the proposed Toorak Road level crossing removal, which has since gone ahead.

The 39-page report, based on a telephone survey of locals and focus groups, found that most residents wanted an underpass built, not sky rail, which ultimately has been constructed.

Despite the publicly-funded nature of the rail contract, the authority refused to answer questions about how much it had paid QDOS or if the firm had been awarded any other contracts by the authority.

“LXRP complies with all government transparency, reporting and auditing standards,” a spokesman said.

“Community consultation and engagement are a core part of our work in giving locals a say as we deliver the projects that are keeping Victorians moving.

“QDOS is listed on a procurement panel along with a range of other providers of consultation and engagement services. The panel is managed by the government’s Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, and was subject to a competitive tender process.”

Mr Armitage’s firm was handed a $1.1m contract by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in December 2019 without tender to map public sentiment and reaction to policies.

This was on top of a $786,555 paid to the firm in 2016-18.

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