9609 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Corrections

9609 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Corrections: What contractor or consultant engagements, if any, are currently active across any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible, where the individual contractor or consultant is being paid at a rate exceeding $200 per hour, listed by department or entity, role or engagement description, daily or hourly rate, and contract start date?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that Corrections policy on engaging external consultants and contractors requires that internal options are considered first and contractors are only engaged when this is not viable or practicable. Consultants are generally engaged to provide specialist advice or expertise that is not available inhouse, such as specific technical or advisory services. Consultants may be used to support specific programmes of work where it would not be pragmatic to employ highly qualified technical staff on a permanent basis. For example, consultants may be used to provide structural engineering and building design services as part of significant property projects managed by Corrections. I am further advised that Corrections follows the guidance published by the Public Service Commission when engaging external resources. Corrections are always conscious of the need to deliver value for money for taxpayers, while maintaining their commitment to achieving their strategic outcomes. I refer the member to the attached table, which provides the currently active individual contractors and consultants whose hourly rate exceeds $200.