Jillian Segal hired former Scott Morrison adviser on $200,000 contract without public tender process

The antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, hired Scott Morrison’s former principal adviser on a $200,000 contract without a public tender process, with department officials saying his skills could not be provided by any other business. Society Advisory Pty Ltd, the company founded by Yaron Finkelstein – Morrison’s former principal private secretary – received the 12-month contract to work with Segal until April 2027, coinciding with the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. The company describes itself as a consulting practice providing discrete advice to chief executives and boards on “understanding and managing social and cultural changes”. The government’s AusTender website lists the work as “public affairs and strategic communications services”. The independent senator for the ACT, David Pocock , grilled Department of Home Affairs officials about the limited tender contract in Senate estimates hearings on Wednesday, noting the department already had a communications unit with more than 100 staff. Officials said the limited tender process sought a supplier with strong expertise in antisemitism in the Australian context, who could deliver accurate, evidence-based strategic advice and communication support to Segal during the royal commission. …