Federal Government spend on consultants hits record high

Key points

• The federal government spent $860 million on external consultants in the 2025-26 financial year, with KPMG receiving $59 million. Labor increased its contracts with KPMG despite scandals involving the firm.
• The Australian National Audit Office found that government spending on external labour increased, with 12 of 22 sampled entities raising their expenditure on contractors and consultants.
• Greens spokesperson Barbara Pocock criticised the government's outsourcing practices, calling for a review of KPMG contracts and a ban on future agreements until investigations are completed.