Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 1633

❓ Mr. Zempilas questions the Minister about a contract awarded to Acil Allen for hydrogen business cases, inquiring about its uniqueness compared to previous work by other consultants and whether their prior work was considered. The Minister deflects, referring to a previous answer.

AnsweredQoN 1633Legislative 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 $253,364 to Acil Allen on potential business cases for hydrogen 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) Was the work undertaken by Acil Allen different to that undertaken by Merz, PWC, JDR, Thomas Halton, Johnson Infrastructure, Johnstaff and Vision Environ as reported in the two previous six-monthly reports on consultants engaged by Government: (i) If so, in what way; (b) Were draft and or final reports provided by Acil Allen to Government: (i) If so, when; (ii) Can a copy of this draft and or final report be tabled; and (iii) If not, why not; (c) If the work was not different to the work undertaken by Merz, PWC, JDR, Thomas Halton, Johnson Infrastructure, Johnstaff and Vision Environ, why were none of these entities invited to undertake the business cases for hydrogen; (d) As part of their work did Acil Allen consult with Merz, PWC, JDR, Thomas Halton, Johnson Infrastructure, Johnstaff and Vision Environ regarding their work on the hydrogen industry: (i) If so, when and in what capacity; and (ii) If not, why not; and (e) Was any of the work undertaken by Merz, PWC, JDR, Thomas Halton, Johnson Infrastructure, Johnstaff and Vision Environ on the hydrogen industry made available to Acil Allen: (i) If so, how and when; and (ii) If not, why not?