Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 1635

❓ Mr. Zempilas questions the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation about a significant decrease in government spending on hydrogen industry consultancies after June 2023, seeking clarification on the outcomes of previous consultancies and whether this indicates a change in government priorities. The Minister deflects by referring to another question.

AnsweredQoN 1635Legislative Assembly

Asked

16 December 2025

Member

Mr Basil Zempilas

Portfolio

Energy and Decarbonisation

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 Minister 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?