Australian government spending on big four consultancy firms up 1,270% in a decade, analysis shows

The big four consultancy firms are under scrutiny after disclosing the misuse of government information and multiple conflicts of interest. Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

The amount of taxpayer money given to the big four consultancy firms for management advisory services has increased by more than 1,270% in a decade, according to new analysis from the Centre for Public Integrity.

The analysis comes as the big four face intense scrutiny after disclosing the misuse of government information and multiple conflicts of interest, as well as concerns that taxpayers are being ripped off for work the public service once conducted itself.