❓ Mr. Zempilas questions the WA government about a significant decrease in spending on hydrogen industry consultancies after a period of substantial investment, inquiring about the outcomes of previous consultancies and whether the reduced spending signals a change in government priorities. The government responds that hydrogen remains a priority, the initial spending was for strategy development, and the current lower spending is for targeted implementation of the strategy.
AnsweredQoN 1622Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
The Reports on Consultants Engaged by Government for the six months ending 30 June 2022, 31 December 2022 and 30 June 2023 contain at least $2.4m paid to at least 10 separate entities to undertake consultancies on the hydrogen industry. However, in the subsequent six-monthly reports to June 2025 there are only two consultancies (Johnstaff for $5,850 – 31 December 2023, and Strategic Maritime for $94,710 - 31 December 2023 and 30 June 2024) for a total of $100,560. Can the Premier advise: (a) What has happened to the work from the over $2.4m worth of consultancies undertaken up to 30 June, 2023; (b) Does the significant reduction in Government investment in hydrogen industry consultancies indicate a change in direction or priorities for the Government: (i) If so, why; (c) If this reduction does not indicate a change in direction, why has there been a reduction in this previous level of activity; and (d) Have the previously consultancies into the hydrogen industry failed to deliver the outcomes expected by Government?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 April 2026
Responded by
Minister for State Development
Response time
12 days
(a-d) The Western Australian Government continues to view hydrogen as a priority sector for Western Australia’s economic diversification.
Specialist advice and information was necessary on a range of different issues and topics to support the development of Western Australia’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy 2024-30 (the Strategy). The work improved the Government’s understanding of the hydrogen sector and how the State can effectively leverage emerging opportunities.
The reduction in expenditure on consultancies is a result of more targeted work, intended to fill in any gaps in the implementation of the Strategy actions. The Western Australian Government continues to extend funding support to the hydrogen industry through the Renewable Hydrogen Fund and Investment Attraction Fund for delivery of projects.
Work undertaken by Merz, JDR, Vision Environment and Thomas Hatton was completed in 2022. Work undertaken by PWC was completed across 2022 and 2023. Work undertaken by Johnstaff was completed in 2024. All work undertaken was on distinct matters.
Each entity provided a report. The Vision Environment Report was published on the WA Government website in 2022. The remainder contain commercial in confidence information or are cabinet in confidence.
Consultation was undertaken with Government departments, industry and individuals. Only the work undertaken by Thomas Hatton did not include consultation.
Specialist advice and information was necessary on a range of different issues and topics to support the development of Western Australia’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy 2024-30 (the Strategy). The work improved the Government’s understanding of the hydrogen sector and how the State can effectively leverage emerging opportunities.
The reduction in expenditure on consultancies is a result of more targeted work, intended to fill in any gaps in the implementation of the Strategy actions. The Western Australian Government continues to extend funding support to the hydrogen industry through the Renewable Hydrogen Fund and Investment Attraction Fund for delivery of projects.
Work undertaken by Merz, JDR, Vision Environment and Thomas Hatton was completed in 2022. Work undertaken by PWC was completed across 2022 and 2023. Work undertaken by Johnstaff was completed in 2024. All work undertaken was on distinct matters.
Each entity provided a report. The Vision Environment Report was published on the WA Government website in 2022. The remainder contain commercial in confidence information or are cabinet in confidence.
Consultation was undertaken with Government departments, industry and individuals. Only the work undertaken by Thomas Hatton did not include consultation.
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