Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

The Government is pleased to announce the appointment of business and legal advisers for the scoping study into the future management, operations and ownership of the Intra Government Communications Network (ICON).

Following a robust competitive procurement process, KPMG has been appointed as business adviser and King & Wood Mallesons has been appointed as legal adviser to assist with the scoping study.

In addition to considering options for the future management, operations and ownership of Intra Government Communications Network, the scoping study will assess the likely sale environment for this business operation.

The advisers will provide independent advice to allow the Government to make fully informed decisions on the optimal method and timing of any sale or change to governance arrangements.

The Government will consider the recommendations of the scoping study in the first half of 2015. No decision on the future ownership of Intra Government Communications Network will be made until this time.

The scoping study was announced as part of the 2014-15 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook and is consistent with the third phase of the Smaller Government reforms which is designed to cut waste and duplication, while improving the efficiency, effectiveness and focus of the Commonwealth public service.