C.2.3  Scope of information to disclose

In determining what information to disclose in the PPP project context, the advisor must examine, at a minimum:

•  all engagements and interests for the bidding parties (including subcontractors and related parties) on the PPP project on which they are engaged;

•  all engagements and interests for the bidding parties (including subcontractors) on other concurrent PPP projects;

•  all engagements for bidding parties to advise on other concurrent PPP projects in other jurisdictions; and

•  all other affiliations and interests, such as financial interests, board and other positions or offices held, business relationships and engagements and close personal affiliations with bidding parties.

Examples of situations requiring disclosure for PPP projects include:

•  an advisor specifically engaged by government to carry out value-for-money calculations as part of evaluating a PPP project is also providing advisory services to some of the bidders on the project;

•  the spouse of an advisor to government on a PPP project is a senior executive of a bidding entity;

•  an advisor to government has offices in both Melbourne and Sydney. A Melbourne partner is advising government on a PPP project and a Sydney partner is providing tax advice to the preferred tenderer on the project;

•  an advisor to government on a PPP project has shares in the company bidding for the project;

•  an advisor to government on one PPP project is also advising a bidder on another PPP project; and

•  an advisor to government on a PPP project also provides audit services to one or more bidders.

Advisors who do not fully comply with these guidelines may be subject to sanctions, including suspension or termination of the engagement on the PPP procurement project.