Several Queensland government departments have seen a substantial increase in consultancy expenses, exceeding $50 million. 

This elevated spending has raised concerns following a warning from an integrity review, highlighting an “over-reliance” on external contractors and consultants within the state's public service.

In specific departments:

  • The Department of Premier and Cabinet's consultancy expenditure increased from $842,000 in the previous year to $1.6 million in 2022-23

  • The Department of Health saw consultancy costs rise from $5.87 million to $9.89 million during the same period

  • Queensland's 16 hospital and health services also reported increased consultant spending, reaching $12.72 million in 2022-23, up from $8.69 million in 2021-22

  • The Department of Education reported consultancy costs of $3.55 million, a 334 per cent increase from the previous year's $818,000.

  • Energy and Public Works, Queensland Treasury, and Queensland Corrective Services all exceeded $3 million in consultancy expenses 

  • The Queensland Police Service spent $2.95 million on consultants in the 2022-23 fiscal year

A major integrity review of Queensland's public service, led by Professor Peter Coaldrake, was initiated by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in response to integrity allegations. 

The review found the reliance on external contractors and consultants, which was eroding the public service's capacity. 

Professor Coaldrake recommended that departments rigorously account for the benefits of consultant engagement, with oversight from the Auditor-General.

A state government spokesperson has told reporters that the recommendation has been implemented, noting that consultants are brought in when specialist skills or specific knowledge are necessary or when independence from the government is required.

The agencies all stated reasons for the expenditure. 

The Department of Premier and Cabinet engaged consultants for the Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office to assist with planning and delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games, citing the complexity of the task.

Queensland Health used consultants for projects such as an independent audit of LifeFlight Australia and an audit of its Satellite Hospitals program, citing the need for specialist or technical skills.

The Department of Education attributed its higher consultancy spending to reviews on various issues, including teacher housing, school maintenance funding, and industrial relations laws.

The Department of Energy and Public Works used consultants for the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and for independent reviews, especially regarding the role of developers in the state's building industry.

Queensland Corrective Services used consultants for two one-off projects, including an independent review of the parole system, as recommended by an earlier review.

The Queensland Police Service cited significant reforms necessitating expertise and resources following last year's Commission of Inquiry.

Queensland Treasury utilised consultants for tasks involving the Queensland Government Insurance Fund, the Financial Provisioning Scheme, and establishing a Queensland Resources Common User Facility, including support for managing historic sexual abuse claims against the Queensland government.