What Happened
Defence Department Extends Troubled MyClearance Project
The Department of Defence has approved a $21 million extension to Accenture’s MyClearance contract, despite a damning audit report that found major issues with the original procurement process. The contract, which is now worth $164 million, has been plagued by glitches and delays since its launch in 2022. The Australian National Audit Office found that Defence staff had breached policies during the procurement process, allowing Accenture to rework and reprice its bid after being named as the preferred supplier. The extension has raised concerns about value for money, with independent senator David Pocock calling for greater transparency and scrutiny of government contracting. This article was first reported by The Canberra Times.