Attorney-General's Department

In reply to Mr TARZIA (Hartley) ((21 June 2022).). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I have been advised that for units under my responsibility within the Attorney-General's Department (including the Public Trustee):

AGD business units are expected to minimise expenditure on consultancies, with the engagement of a consultant only to be made in specialised circumstances, and on an 'as needs' basis.

Expenditure on consultancies in 2022-23 is expected to be approximately $1 million.

This includes the development of a strategic business case which will identify options for future accommodation needs for both Forensic Science SA and the SAPOL Forensic Services Branch.

This estimate for 2022-23 does not include any possible increase from Business Units that transferred into the Department from 1 July 2022 following the recent machinery of government changes.

The following is a summary of external consultants that have been engaged to date at a total estimated cost above $10,000, the nature of work undertaken, and the estimated cost for 2022-23.

The majority of expenditure on contractors within AGD is related to the engagement of temporary labour hire. AGD business units are expected to minimise expenditure on contractors, with the engagement of contractors on an 'as needs' basis to assist with managing vacancies and turnover in the workforce.

After reviewing expenditure on contractors in the past three financial years, and allowing for machinery of government changes and once-off projects, it is estimated that expenditure on contractors in 2022-23 may be approximately $1.5 million.

This estimate for 2022-23 does not include any possible increase from business units that transferred into the department from 1 July 2022 following the recent machinery of government changes.

The following is a summary of external contractors that have been engaged to date at a total estimated cost above $10,000, the nature of work undertaken, and the estimated cost for 2022-23.