The People Panel – Professional Contractor Services (SON4241474) is part of the broader People Panel arrangement. It enables Commonwealth entities to engage professional contractors for specialised, short-term work.
Panel term
Professional contractor services commenced on 1 July 2026 and will expire on 30 June 2030. Finance may extend these services for up to 4 additional years. Any extension may be taken in full or in separate time periods in any combination.
Scope of services
Professional Contractor Services cover the provision of individuals with specialised expertise, qualifications and experience.
A professional contractor:
- is a natural person engaged by a service provider (including sole traders or individuals engaged indirectly)
- is not an employee of the engaging entity
- performs work under the entity’s supervision, either onsite or at another agreed location.
Financial and audit services
- General financial services
- Audit services
- Specialised services
Corporate services
- Organisation planning and development
- Human resources
- Corporate governance
- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Communications (excluding campaign advertising and services under the Government Communications Campaign Panel)
- Quality management
Commercial services
- Program and project management
- Contract management
- Procurement and acquisitions
- Research (excluding campaign advertising and government advertising services)
- Data analytics and management
Other services
- Authoring and writing services
- Dental, medical and allied health
- Scientific services
- Security services
Detailed service descriptions, subcategories and exclusions are available in the panel’s scope of services document.
User guide
The user guide provides information and guidance on Professional Contractor Services. The guide is intended for Commonwealth entities, including procurement teams and officials procuring services from the panel.
Professional Contractor Services: User Guide
The guide covers:
- information about the panel, including the scope and benefits
- which entities can use the panel and how to join
- step-by-step instructions on using the panel, including issuing requests for quotes and work orders
- an overview of relevant connected policies and requirements.
Reporting
Service provider reporting will be completed through CRIIS (Contractor Reporting, Integrity Information Solution). Functionality for Professional Contractor Services in CRIIS is currently under development.
Reporting is expected to commence in Quarter 2 of 2026–27.
Professional contractors will be required to register in CRIIS.
Service providers will be required to:
- report work orders issued under Professional Contractor Services
- link contractors to an order
- report paid invoices associated with work orders.
Transition and out-of-scope services
Existing arrangements that overlap with Phase 3 services should be transitioned to the panel where appropriate. This should be managed in consultation with service providers and with appropriate legal advice.
Services that are outside the scope of the panel may continue to be sourced through other arrangements.
Refer to the Transition Guide for further information.
Contact
For further information or to request access to the panel or supporting systems, contact peoplepanelcontract@finance.gov.au.
