Embattled Carlton president Luke Sayers wins huge government contracts worth almost $900k

Under siege Carlton president Luke Sayers, who was spotted having a beer with Daniel Andrews this week, won lucrative Victorian Government work, documents show.

Under siege Carlton president Luke Sayers picked up $862,000 of consultancy work from a Victorian Government department, including a business case to rebuild the MCG’s Shane Warne stand, documents show.

New details have emerged of the government cash flowing to Mr Sayers’ consultancy company after he was pictured this week having a beer with Premier Daniel Andrews.

Carlton President Luke Sayers has criticised for his former role at consultancy firm PwC. Picture: Ian Currie

The photograph was taken at an exclusive party at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne to celebrate the 70th anniversary of law firm Arnold Block Leibler.

Mr Sayers has been criticised for his former role at consultancy firm PwC, which has been accused of misusing secret tax advice and advising clients to file questionable deductions.

The high-flying businessman, who denies reading crucial emails about the alleged rorts, left PwC in May 2020, setting up his own company Sayers Group in July that year.

Victorian Government tender documents and Development Victoria annual reports show Mr Sayers pocketed $180,000 from Development Victoria in 2022 and another $682,000 in 2023 for “business case development”.

Luke Sayers during the 70th Birthday Celebration of Arnold Bloch Leibler at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne. Aaron Francis / The Australian

When asked about the payments, Mr Sayers’ company said in a statement: “Sayers Group cannot comment on the specifics of work it has performed for Development Victoria.”

However, it can be revealed that the $682,000 contract was for plans to knock down and rebuild the Shane Warne stand at the MCG.

Tom Considine, a partner at Sayers Group, did the work that was tendered by Development Victoria in conjunction with the Melbourne Cricket Club.

The MCC paid for part of the planning but the Andrews Government has tipped in $2 million.

The rebuild includes a move to increase the stadium to a capacity of 105,000 and improve player facilities.

Renders of new plans for MCG Southern Stand redevelopment Picture: Supplied

Development Victoria also spent almost $300,000 with PwC, when Mr Sayers was in charge there.

The group was reportedly invited to provide a business case for Mr Andrews $200 billion Suburban Rail Loop, which Mr Considine was heavily involved with.

Consultants were threatened with the sack if they leaked details about that plan, which was hidden from the Victorian transport department.

Mr Andrews earlier this month called Mr Sayers a friend when the Australian Taxation Office revealed it had advised him to “read the emails” about the scandal at PwC.

“But that doesn’t cut across any of the professional dealings I have with him,” Mr Andrews said at the time.

Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

“I very rarely deal with him on professional terms.

“I don’t think (his friendship with Sayers) is a problem in any way. I have many different friends and I am always conscious of my obligations in my public role, always.”

Federal Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill, who has been following the PwC scandal, has previously claimed Mr Sayers has “shirked responsibility” and called for “attention” to be placed on his current consulting business.

Originally published as Embattled Carlton president Luke Sayers wins huge government contracts worth almost $900k