A government committee has heard internal details of how one consultancy secured millions in government work. 

Tech consultancy Accenture has admitted to using “power maps” in a confidential strategy to win government contracts worth $528 million last year. 

These confidential documents categorise federal officials based on influence, personality traits, and relationships with competitors. 

They label officials as “analytical”, “expressive”, or “a driver” and identify decision-makers and influential figures within government departments.

These power maps also monitor internal conflicts and adversarial relationships within government departments, as well as connections between public servants and rival consultancy firms.

Labor senator Deborah O'Neill expressed concerns about these practices, calling them an attempt by consulting companies to influence the public service.

Although not one of the ‘Big Four’ consultancy firms, Accenture has secured more government contracts than some of them.

The big four firms have assured the Senate inquiry that they do not engage in “power mapping”, but these claims will be scrutinised in upcoming hearings.

Jan McCahey, PwC's Chief Risk and Ethics Leader, stated that PwC Australia does not engage in such practices.

Accenture maintains that they strictly adhere to probity rules, refraining from contacting individuals involved in tender decision-making processes.

During a Senate inquiry hearing in July, Accenture confirmed they had not changed their internal processes in response to the reputation crisis faced by PwC Australia.

More details are accessible here.