Labor’s spending on consultancy firms higher than under Morrison, data reveals

The Labor government increased its spending on consulting contracts every year of the last parliament, despite boasting savings on consulting contracts, according to newly compiled data from the Parliamentary Library.

In 2024-25, Labor spent nearly $1 billion on outsourcing work to consulting firms, more than the last year of the Morrison government in 2021-22.

Labor’s big spend on consulting firms looks to continue with the government spending $76.5 million on 90 consulting contracts in the first two weeks of 2025-26 – that’s nearly 8% of their total spend in 2024-25 in just two weeks. 

While Labor has reduced its contracts with the Big 4 consulting firms (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY), which the Greens welcome, the majority of spending and the number of government contracts are now going to consulting firms that are not one of the Big 7 (Accenture, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, EY, McKinsey, KPMG and PwC). 

The Greens say Labor’s excessive outsourcing of public sector work to the private sector at three times the cost isn’t just wasting taxpayers’ money, it’s eroding Australia’s public service.

Greens finance and public service spokesperson Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Labor has boasted savings on consultants every year it held office in the last parliament. Yet Labor spent more last year on consulting contracts than the final year of the consultant-addicted Morrison government. The numbers speak louder than their empty words.

“This data paints a picture of a business as usual approach following the PwC consultancy scandal and a continued lack of transparency by a government which claims to be spending less, while in fact spending even more.

“While Labor says they’re spending less on consultants, this data shows that instead of spending as much on the Big 4 consulting firms, the government is spending even more money but just on other firms. What’s clear is that the government has been claiming that it has been reducing spending on consultants, but all they’re doing is arranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

“Labor promised, as part of their election campaign, to cut $6.4 billion in spending by reducing consultants’ contracts and outsourced service delivery. Yet in the first 24/25 financial year, Labor spent a whopping $968 million on consultancy firms, up from the previous year’s $653 million. 

“Already in the first two weeks of this financial year, the government has spent $76 million on 90 contracts. This is a government that has said it wants to eliminate wasteful  outsourcing yet all signs point to Labor being no different to previous governments – it’s one big smokescreen.

“We know that outsourcing public service work to the private sector costs three-times as much as hiring public servants to do the work and we know it’s eroding our public service – so why this government is spending even more on consultants is beyond belief. 

“The Greens have consistently called on the government to provide a transparent breakdown of the spending data. I’ve repeatedly asked this government direct questions about Senate Estimates about their spending on consultant firms, but they have consistently refused to provide this, they refuse to separate the amount spent on consultants from the overall spend on external contractors. The people of Australia have a right to know where their taxes are spent – where is the transparency?”

Key data:

  • In 2024-25 Labor spent nearly $1 billion on outsourcing work to consulting firms ($968.6 million in 2024-25).
  • Labor spent more on consulting contracts in 2024-25 than the last year of the Morrison government in 2021-22 ($787.6 million in 2021-22 compared with $968.6 million in 2024-25), that’s a 23% increase in spending on consulting contracts.
  • This big spending trend looks to continue, with the Labor government spending $76.5 million on 90 consulting contracts in the first two weeks of 2025-26. That’s almost 8% of their total spend in 2024-25 in just two weeks. 
  • The Labor Government increased its spending on consulting contracts every year last parliament, despite boasting savings on consulting contracts ($622 million in 2022-23, $653 million in 2023-24 and $968.6 million in 2024-25).
  • Labor has reduced its contracts with the Big 4 consulting firms. Spending on consultant contracts reduced by 47% between 2021-22 (Morrison) and 2024-25 (Albanese). 
  • The majority of spending and contracts are now going to consulting firms that are not one of the Big 7 (Accenture, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, EY, McKinsey and PwC).

Environment law reform must protect nature and safeguard our climate

Greens spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has responded to the Environment Minister’s announcement EPBC change will be tabled by the end of the year.

“The Greens have been ready and willing to negotiate with the Albanese Government for the past 3 years to fix our broken environment laws.

“Australia needs new environment laws that protect nature, consider climate as well as giving efficient responses to applicants.

“Our Howard era environmental laws aren’t working for anyone, except the big fossil fuel companies that continue to block any changes.

“With updated and fit for purpose environment laws we could build houses, save koalas and protect our climate.

“Environment laws that protect nature must include:

  • protection of critical habitat and forests
  • stop species extinction
  • a climate trigger
  • federal control over approvals

“The only thing standing in the way of creating laws that give clearer guidance and faster processing are the big fossil fuel companies who prefer the status quo and have repeatedly used their political muscle to prevent fixing the laws.

“Our door is always open to the Government to work together so that we can have laws that actually protect nature.

“Putting in place clear rules, including the protection of critical habitat and a climate trigger would allow for faster and more efficient assessments.”

Sanctions on the Iranian Regime

In solidarity with the Iranian diaspora in Australia, the Greens for years have called on the Australian Government to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995, which the Albanese Government today commit to do. 

These steps are appropriate given the reported actions of the Iranian Regime. They follow from effective action by the authorities to investigate and understand the cause of anti-semitic acts.

The Greens have also called for the government to support at the United Nations General Assembly the implementation of the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, said: 

“Given the reported nature of the actions of the Iranian regime, it is fitting that the Iranian Ambassador be expelled. 

“The Iranian Regime has a long history of persecuting religious and ethnic groups, women and LGBTQI+ people and the Greens have consistently called for listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Until today the Albanese government has resisted these calls.

“No country should be allowed to interfere in our politics, or cause fear or repression in any part of our community. We know that diaspora communities are particularly vulnerable to these actions and they all must be protected.

“The Albanese Government now has a responsibility to provide as much detail as possible to detail the chain of evidence to support its conclusions. Transparency builds public confidence and is critical at times like this.

“It should also be clear that sanctions need to be applied consistently to all countries that are breaking international law.

“There is a deep inconsistency with the Government taking these measures against Iran and failing to take similar steps against other countries when they grossly breach international law, not least Israel,” Senator Shoebridge said. 

Labor’s latest attack on Migrants – removing natural justice rights

Labor today launched another cruel attack on refugees and migrants, tabling new legislation to strip people of the right to natural justice. 

The Home Affairs (2025 Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 introduced by Home Affairs Minister Burke is targeted at people recently released from immigration detention following a High Court ruling that people cannot be held indefinitely by bureaucrats or politicians. 

The Albanese Labor Government, in the last Parliament, worked hand-in-hand with Peter Dutton to push through extreme anti-migrant and anti-refugee policies Australia has seen in a generation, and now they are doubling down on these laws. 

This law is designed so that people can be forcibly removed to Nauru without having any right to even see the application the government is making. It also removes their right to make representations about why their removal would be unsafe, or explain to the Nauru government why they should not be deported there. 

When rights of natural justice are removed, critical matters like health concerns, family connections and basic human decency get overridden, while damaging mistakes of fact are not identified. 

This legislation is even being made retrospective to address likely failures of natural justice that have been raised in two separate court challenges to Labor’s efforts to forcibly remove people to Nauru.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Immigration, said: “The Government is actively seeking to suspend natural justice from some of the most vulnerable members of the community for one of the most important decisions that will be made in their lives. That is just plain wrong. 

“For centuries, natural justice has been a cornerstone of our law, ensuring everyone has the right to be heard before important decisions are made about their lives. 

“The fact that the Albanese Government is seeking to remove these rights from migrants shows how toxic and far right Labor’s immigration policy has become. 

“Everyone should be equal under the law, no matter where they are born, but that can only happen if people are given the right to be heard before decisions are made about them.

“We know there are active court cases on this issue and by making this law retrospective Labor is trying to validate past illegal practices by Home Affairs and defeat these cases with another legislative deal with the Coalition. 

“Nauruan President Adeang made it clear last year, he intends to send anyone Australia deports there back to the country which they originally fled. 

“People rightfully don’t want to go to Nauru because they know they will face the very real risk of being forcibly returned to danger, and they surely have the right to be heard before that happens to them.”

ANU staff don’t need more gaslighting, they need new leadership

Senator Mehreen Faruqi has responded to the ANU’s release of their self-assurance report and Cover Letter. This report was released a few hours before the Greens’ Order for the Production of Documents was to be voted on in the Senate.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education:

“This report is just more gaslighting and denial from the ANU leadership. The ongoing governance failures at the ANU are not going to go away by saying it’s all under control.

“ANU had to be dragged to release this self-assurance report by the threat of our Senate order.

“Trust has been shattered, and this report cannot distract from the growing chorus of voices calling on Bell and Bishop to resign. Staff and students have made their position crystal clear: this leadership is no longer fit for purpose. Bishop and Bell must go.

“ANU can’t hide behind management gobbledygook and expect to regain the trust of their community.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 August

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 August 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 August 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Acknowledging the significant contribution of the late Aubrey Brooks

A Lord Mayoral Minute noted the passing of Aubrey Brooks and acknowledged his significant contributions and advocacy to Newcastle’s steel history following the closure of BHP in 1999. 

Ordinary business 

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2025 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party update

Council noted the Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party updates including the terms of reference, summary of collection, memorandum and meeting minutes for 19 June, 25 July and 12 August 2025.

Adoption of the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program and submit it to the Minister for Environment certification. 

Adoption of public exhibition for reclassification of land parcels from operational land to community land

Council voted unanimously to reclassify 22 public land parcels as Community Land and categorise them as Natural Areas in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. 

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Planning Agreements Policy and Procurement Policy and change the instruments of delegation to the Lord Mayor, Development Applications Committee and Chief Executive Officer to remove awarding tenders from the additional functions reserved for Council, unless valued over $5 million.

Adoption of planning agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street 

Wickham

Council voted to endorse the Planning Agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street Wickham. 

Transport for NSW third-party delegation

Council voted unanimously to sub-delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the functions and authorisations granted under the Transport for NSW ‘Authorisation and Delegation Instrument to Councils’.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2025. 

Tender report – Mitchell Street – revetment remediation Stockton

Council voted to accept a tender for the Mitchell Street revetment renewal and upgrade project.

Tender report – provision of security services 

Council voted to accept a tender for the provision of an integrated range of security services for 90 City of Newcastle sites.

Notices of Motion 

Petition to retain open-air changing rooms as part of Stage 2 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths restoration project

Council supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 2,035 signatories requesting the retention of open-air change rooms as part of Stage 2 of the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths. Community consultation took place from 17 June 2024 until August 2024. A key theme from the consultation process was the provision of an open-air change room or open-air amenity.

Committee membership updates following the countback election of Siobhan Isherwood

Council formally congratulated Councillor Siobhan Isherwood on her election to City of Newcastle and appointed her as a Councillor representative to the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Access Inclusion Standing Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee. 

Councillor seating arrangements

A notice of motion to alter seating arrangements for the current Council term, allowing all councillors to be seated to political groupings, was laid on the table.

Advocacy for addressing the impacts of cost shifting onto Local Government

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting the findings of the Local Government NSW Cost Shifting report for the 2023/2024 financial year, with a request to place a copy of the report on City of Newcastle’s website. Council will write to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government asking that they urgently address these costs through a combination of regulatory reform and appropriate funding.

Improving our engagements with foreign representatives

Council supported a notice of motion to reaffirm our support for all communities, including Tibetan and Taiwanese Novocastrians, and reiterated our commitment to building an inclusive city which respects and supports all residents regardless of their faith or background. 

Better utilisation of our former City Hall Chambers

Council supported a notice of motion to create a working party under the Community and Culture Advisory Committee to develop a plan which preserves, respects and shares our city’s rich history, while improving access to the former City Hall Chamber for members of the public. 

Milestone paves the way for critical long-term beach protection at Stockton

City of Newcastle will seek the final tick of approval from the NSW Government for a $63 million plan to buffer Stockton’s coastline from erosion.

Councillors voted unanimously last night to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) and formally submit it to the NSW Environment Minister for certification.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said this was a significant milestone in the long-term protection and enhancement of Stockton’s coastline.

“The adoption of this Extended CMP establishes a clear pathway for the delivery of mass sand nourishment supported by regular sand top-ups, which has been identified as the most feasible, viable and acceptable long-term solution, and has received overwhelming community support,” Ms Bisson said. 

“It also includes vital short-term actions for the urgent protection of critical public assets in Stockton.

“The CMP was developed in collaboration with the community and government agencies and is the culmination of many years of hard work by the project team and advocacy from the Stockton Community Liaison Group.

“We now look forward to receiving certification from the NSW Minister for the Environment, which is a crucial step to unlock grant funding eligibility and streamline approval pathways for critical protection works.”

The Extended Stockton CMP covers a geographical area stretching from Little Beach to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

It contains 79 management actions, including beach nourishment and sand management activities, urgent interim coastal protection works for critical assets like the Mitchell Street seawall, and the development of a coastal monitoring and decision-making support system.

It is forecast to cost $63 million to implement over the next decade, with City of Newcastle expected to invest around $25 million into its delivery, most of which will be directed towards the construction of coastal protection structures to mitigate immediate risks.

The Federal Government will contribute $1.47 million primarily through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program (CERMP) for sand sourcing investigations.

The NSW Government is earmarked to contribute approximately $35 million, which includes its $21.5 million election commitment for mass sand nourishment, however this is not scheduled to occur until the 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years.

Ms Bisson said this delay means that the construction and renewal of expensive coastal protection structures itemised in the CMP, which are necessary to protect critical public assets in the short term, are likely to be required before mass sand nourishment is delivered.

“The Extended Stockton CMP sets a long-term strategy to offset the impacts of the NSW Government-owned Newcastle Harbour infrastructure, including the entrance breakwaters and artificially deepened navigational channel,” Ms Bisson said.

“The implementation of the mass sand nourishment program and the investigation and determination of a governance, funding and implementation framework for ongoing sand top-ups will be led by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and guided by the Stockton Special Advisory Panel, chaired by the State Member for Newcastle.”

Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the final plan, with 90% of respondents supporting ongoing sand top-ups as well as mass sand nourishment during the public exhibition period. A petition with 1,233 signatures also underscored the strong community desire for a holistic sand nourishment strategy led by the NSW Government.

For more information on the Extended Stockton CMP, visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

$43.2 million investment to boost drought resilience across regional NSW

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will jointly invest $43.2 million to support farmers to strengthen their drought resilience and climate adaptation, as drought continues to impact regional communities across NSW.

Delivered through Phase 2 of the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), the funding will support farmers to access subsidised learning and development opportunities that will help them to manage risk, build long-term operational resilience, and continue to remain productive.

From personalised coaching, workshops, digital learning, and peer-to-peer case studies, the FBRP equips farmers with practical support to ensure they are better prepared before, during and after these challenging periods.

Since its launch, the FBRP has supported the development of more than 2,500 new farm business plans, engaged nearly 28,000 participants across more than 2,000 events and helped more than 1,600 NSW businesses improve their operations through targeted workshops and events.

Improved drought preparedness is expected to reduce economic losses in the agriculture sector and deliver broader benefits to rural communities, including increased employment and supply chain stability.

The FBRP program is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.

For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program, please visit – www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/programs/fbrp

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Drought is always a case of when, not if, so being prepared is vital.

“This is another way the Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Minns Government, is providing practical support to our farmers and regional communities.

“Our government is committed to supporting our farmers build resilience to drought, which will support them to continue producing the products we all love and rely on.

“We understand that many farmers are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, with today’s announcement building on the assistance we have available year-round, including concessional loans and free independent financial counselling.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Farmers are the backbone of the New South Wales economy, and our state cannot meet its full potential if our regional communities are not able to thrive.

“Over the past five years farmers have shown monumental resilience in the face of drought, floods, bushfires and even for some a cyclone.

“With drought conditions returning and continuing across the state, we remain committed to supporting them with the necessary tools and assistance to sustain this vital industry.

“Supporting our farmers isn’t just about today—it’s about securing the future of agriculture in NSW for generations to come.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Drought and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged.

“This investment will help regional communities and farming businesses better prepare for and respond to these challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic stability.”

Minns Labor Government expands support for students with disability in NSW public schools

The Minns Labor Government has delivered an extra 260 support classes in NSW public schools this year, making it easier for students with disability to access high-quality learning environments, closer to home.

With this expansion more than 34,000 students can now access support classes across NSW public schools. Classes have now been established in more than 30 schools without a previous support class provision, giving them the resources to provide extra support.

This work forms part of the Minns Government’s commitment to delivering support for students with disability closer to where they live, with 244 support classes across mainstream schools and the remainder in Schools for Specific Purposes.

More than one-third of the extra support classes delivered this year are in Western and South Western Sydney public schools.

As part of this work an updated enrolment policy will also be rolled out for students requiring additional support, making it easier for students requiring a support class provision to attend a school closer to home and attend the same school as their siblings.

This will also ensure an equitable distribution of support classes across NSW public schools, so schools are better meeting the needs of their local communities.

The Department of Education is also working to develop post-schooling resources to help students with additional needs transition into further study, training, or work.

The Minns Government is also investing $100 million to improve classroom and school accessibility for NSW public school students living with disability.

The investment covers more than 340 projects across NSW public schools, providing much-needed infrastructure including ramps and handrails.

This expansion forms part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in public education across the state.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential at school and beyond.

“We’re working to provide stronger support for students with disability to learn in high-quality, inclusive environments closer to home.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Families across NSW have told us what they need, and we’re delivering. We’re proud to be making these changes with students and their families, not just for them.

“By building accessibility into our schools, we’re not only ensuring students living with disability can participate fully in their education, but we’re also fostering a culture of acceptance, empathy and understanding.”

Local exporters set to Go Global with NSW Government support

The Minns Labor Government is ramping up support for local businesses ready to take their products and services to the world, with the new 10-year NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 driving action across the state and zeroing in on priority markets like Southeast Asia.

Investment NSW is delivering more than 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions over the next 12 months, supporting up to 350 NSW businesses to thrive in the international marketplace.  

This is the first time the NSW Government has published a forward agenda for the year’s trade missions following support for the idea as part of consultation on the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035. 

Two thirds of the export programs support businesses in manufacturing and the clean energy economy – industries that will shape the future of NSW, as laid out in the NSW Industry Policy. 

Among the first Going Global Trade Missions to take NSW businesses into market is METS (Mining Equipment, Tech & Services)to Indonesia, which will connect NSW companies with leading mineral producers, equipment suppliers, and solution providers across Southeast Asia.  

This mission will showcase NSW’s cutting-edge capabilities and help NSW manufacturers and innovators strengthen commercial partnerships with key decision-makers in Indonesia and beyond. 

Another mission will see NSW clean energy businesses head to Korea and Japan, supporting these markets with their decarbonisation ambitions.  

With advancements in renewable fuels like hydrogen, working with Japanese and Korean companies on their clean energy goals will continue to enhance NSW’s reputation as a reliable energy partner in a net zero future. 

The Going Global Export Programs will also include Agrifood to Greater China, showcasing high quality NSW agrifood to one of the largest consumer markets in the worldand Life Science and Health to Singapore bringingtogether NSW precision medicine, biologics and clinical trial experts to access Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding healthcare market. 

Businesses selected to participate in Export Programs and Trade Missions will have access to bespoke professional training, business matching, and dedicated market-entry support.  

The Going Global programs are just one of the many services delivered by the NSW Government to support local exporters.

These programs complement ongoing export support and advice provided by NSW’s network of TradeStart Export Advisers across the state, and trade experts based across NSW’s international network. 

For more information on other NSW Government’s export programs, please visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/  

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:  

“Building the state’s economic future is one of my top priorities as Minister for Industry and Trade. 

“We know that exporting is crucial for the productivity and resilience of NSW businesses, and that higher exports lead to higher wages and more employment, driving long-term prosperity right across our state. 

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting businesses on their export journey, and the export support program we’re announcing today will strengthen their ability to crack new markets and accelerate their exports.  

“This is the first time the NSW Government has published a forward agenda for the year’s trade missions, giving businesses more certainty on the support available. 

“This is all about delivering on our NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, which has clear targets to increase the value of NSW exports, and support more businesses to grow in international markets.”