A NSW Parliamentary committee is pushing for greater consultant accountability. 

In an ongoing effort to enhance transparency and accountability within New South Wales' public sector, a NSW parliamentary committee, chaired by Australian Greens’ upper house member Abigail Boyd, is poised to recommend significant changes in how government consultants operate. 

The committee, after an extensive year-long review in 2023, is expected to conclude its public hearings in February with approximately 20 recommendations.

Boyd, leading the scrutiny of major accounting firms and key government departments, has helped uncover the extent of consultant involvement in government services. 

This committee gained notable attention when it summoned former PwC interim CEO Kristin Stubbins to discuss the firm's response to the tax leaks scandal. 

Despite Boyd's ambition to extend the inquiry to more government departments, there has been hesitation from other political parties to continue beyond the final hearing scheduled for February.

The forthcoming recommendations are anticipated to address the accountability of consultants working within the public sector. 

Boyd has highlighted a gap in the current budget estimates processes, which primarily focus on department-employed bureaucrats, suggesting the need for a separate mechanism to scrutinise the work of consultants.

More details are available here.