The federal government's procurement of legal services will go under the microscope, with former Clayton Utz partner Sibylle Krieger appointed as one of the key advisers. The move comes following the release of information by the federal attorney-general, Robert McClelland, revealing that legal service expenditure had increased from A$408m in 2006-07 to A$510m in 2007-08.
Joined by former public servant Tony Blunn, Krieger will investigate existing arrangements for procurement of legal services, and avenues the government can take to ensure "value for money". The review, due for completion in late October, will also determine how the federal government can use in-house legal services more efficiently.