Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, upon notice, on 14 March 2012:

With reference to Australia Post and the engagement of external consultants:

(1) How much did Australia Post spend on consultants in the 2010-11 financial year, broken down by consulting firm.

(2) Why does Australia Post engage external consulting firms.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) Australia Post spent $24.3m on major management consultants (i.e. those costing $250,000 or more) in 2010/11, which was significantly down on the spend in 2009/10. Continuing this trend, year-to-date spend on major management consultants in 2011/12 is also significantly down on 2009/10 and 2010/11 levels. Specific details about individual consulting firms are commercial-in-confidence.

(2) Australia Post has been focussing on reducing the need for external consultants as it continues to build the capability and expertise of its people. While Australia Post prefers to rely on internal capability, external consultants may need to be engaged due to the specific skill set required.