An independent review of Services Australia and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has found issues with several procurements awarded to companies for work for the two agencies. 

Former public servant Dr Ian Watt AC led the Independent Review of Services Australia and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Procurement and Contracting, which examined the procurement processes leading to the award of contracts to Synergy 360 and other entities. 

Both Dr Watt and the joint Services Australia-NDIA taskforce provided their findings for review. 

Check out: DTA improves transparency on gov procurement 

The review found that while a majority of the procurements were consistent with the CPRs and broadly demonstrated good practice, 19 were flagged for further investigation due to inconsistencies with the CPRs or good practice.  

These procurements were found to have a lack of appropriate documentation and/or records, delays in reporting contracts and amendments on AusTender within 42 days of entering into or amending a contract and insufficient value for money justifications. 

The Independent Review flagged 19 out of 95 procurements for further investigation due to inconsistencies with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) or good practice. The approximate value of these 19 procurements was $374 million, with five of the procurements for the NDIA and 14 for Services Australia. 

Seventy-six other procurements valued at $244 million were deemed not to warrant further investigation. 

Check out: Using technology to streamline procurement in the public sector 

“I thank Services Australia, the NDIA and Dr Watt for completing this important work that gives transparency to the awarding of these taxpayer-funded contracts,” Minister for Government Services and the NDIS Bill Shorten said. 

“The Government will now consider the Independent Review’s findings and recommendations.” 

The Independent Review was done after a number of media reports revealing Senior Coalition MP Stuart Robert giving advice to Synergy 360 – a lobbying and consulting firm which helps companies win government contracts. 

The Independent Review was limited to considering internal agency practices and processes and the conduct of Services Australia and NDIA employees and related contractors. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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