Jillian Segal, Australia's antisemitism envoy, engaged a consulting firm founded by Yaron Finkelstein, a former principal adviser to ex-Prime Minister Scott Morrison, for a 12-month contract worth $200,000 without a public tender process. The contract, awarded to Society Advisory Pty Ltd, runs until April 2027, aligning with the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion.
Limited Tender Process Questioned
The government's AusTender website lists the work as "public affairs and strategic communications services." In Senate estimates hearings on Wednesday, independent senator David Pocock questioned Department of Home Affairs officials about the limited tender, noting the department already has a communications unit with over 100 staff. Officials stated that the limited tender sought a supplier with strong expertise in antisemitism in the Australian context, capable of delivering accurate, evidence-based strategic advice and communication support to Segal during the royal commission.
Procurement Rules and Justification
Under federal procurement rules, limited tenders are allowed when "goods and services can be supplied only by a particular business, and there is no reasonable alternative." The tender was awarded to Society Advisory "due to an absence of competition for technical reasons." Pocock called the process "highly unusual," stating it raises valid questions about a system where "who you know" matters more than expertise.
Finkelstein, a former director and CEO of political consultancy Crosby Textor, worked for Morrison until the 2022 federal election and later served as special counsel to former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet until 2023. The home affairs chief procurement officer reviews limited tender agreements before sign-off, but the contract did not require approval from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Departmental Defense
Charlotte Tressler, the department's chief operating officer, told the hearing that market research was completed before the contract was awarded in April. "Their knowledge of the Jewish community and the specialist nature of the work were part of the justifications," she said. Sneha Chatterjee, first assistant secretary, confirmed no other firms were approached. The work includes drafting submissions, preparing briefing materials for witness appearances, and advising on media engagement and public discourse.
Finkelstein referred questions to Segal's office, which declined to comment ahead of Segal's appearance in Senate estimates on Thursday. In March, it was revealed that Segal's specialist reviewer Greg Craven was appointed after five firms approached during an open tender process did not respond. In 2024, former Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten engaged a speechwriter on a $620,000 two-year contract after a failed recruitment process.
