Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 1634

❓ Mr. Zempilas questions the need for a second consultancy with Aurecon regarding the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub pipeline, seeking clarification on the differences, responsibilities, and outcomes of the two consultancies. The Minister deflected the question by referring to another QoN.

AnsweredQoN 1634Legislative Assembly

Asked

16 December 2025

Member

Mr Basil Zempilas

Portfolio

Energy and Decarbonisation

QuestionView source ↗

The Report on Consultants Engaged by Government for the six months ending 30 June 2023 notes a payment of $121,080 to Aurecon to advise and assist in updating a business case for the development of a new hydrogen or ammonia pipeline project within the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub by the Department of Jobs Tourism, Science and Innovation. On the assumption that the relevant responsibilities from this department transferred to the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, can the Minister advise: (a) How is this consultancy different from the $259,172 paid to Aurecon 12 months earlier through the Department of Treasury for the provision of a business case for a hydrogen and ammonia pipeline as part of the Pilbara Hydrogen hub; (b) What changed in 12 months to necessitate a new consultancy and a refresh of the work undertaken 12 months previously; (c) Why was the Department of Treasury responsible for the previous consultancy and the Department of Jobs, Tourism Science and Innovation responsible for the new consultancy; (d) Did the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation have access to the previous consultancy undertaken by Aurecon; (e) Was the business case completed: (i) If so, when; and (ii) What were the outcomes; (f) Can a copy of the business case be tabled: (i) If not, why not; (g) If a business case was not completed, why not; (h) Was there any further follow up or work by the Government on the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub following this consultancy: (i) If so, what were the details; and (ii) If not, why not; (i) What is the current status of the hydrogen and ammonia pipeline; and (j) What is the status of the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub?