The Australian Museum is Australia's oldest museum, established in 1845, and holds an internationally recognised collection of more than 22 million environmental and cultural objects from the Australian and Pacific regions.

In 2005 we were engaged to provide probity advisory services concerning the Museum’s Revitalisation Program, which was at the time its largest capital works program in 25 years.

We monitored various Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Tenders (RFT) processes for the selection of the project architect, project director, and project manager for the new Collections and Research Building. Additionally we monitored various tender processes to select the contractors for the ensuing building construction and the various exhibition fit-outs.

We reviewed all tender and process documentation, including probity controls, assessment plans and reports for each procurement process conducted. We attended all site meetings, tender evaluation meetings, supplier interviews, negotiation processes, and monitored the conduct of participants.

We checked that every participant in evaluation or assessment processes signed a Confidentiality Agreement and Conflict of Interest Declaration appropriate to their role.

Where necessary or requested we provided written ad hoc probity advice on issues arising during procurement processes. Probity Reports were prepared at the conclusion of each procurement process.

The engagement extended over three and a half years to June 2009 and the estimated project cost was $50 million.