The challenge
The South Australian government has made a significant multi-billion dollar investment in advancing the states renewable energy future through major strategic initiatives with over AU$6 billion invested in large scale renewable energy projects. The government is focused on expanding renewable energy infrastructure aiming to reach 100% net renewables by 2027. Complex procurement requiring pragmatic probity.
These large-scale programs required complex procurement processes, extensive stakeholder engagement, and sensitive ministerial oversight – all demanding the highest standards of probity. OCM was engaged to lead probity management, managing fairness, transparency, and compliance across two significant, distinct and complex market processes – one involving a formal procurement process, and the other a broader market approach. Both procurements required careful navigation of complex probity risks, contractor relationships, overseas travel protocols and potential conflicts of interest.
How we helped
Delivered an integrated, proactive probity framework with embedded, real-time advisory support across all stages of complex procurement activity
The client required a need for robust probity strategies and flexible advisory support to uphold trust and integrity throughout each stage of the process. OCM designed and implemented an overarching probity framework that established consistent principles, governance structures, and decision-making protocols across both programs. This scalable probity framework enabled seamless support across more than 12 months of Early Contractor Involvement and over 50 procurement activities, demonstrating adaptability across evolving program requirements.
We provided hands-on, embedded probity advisory services, attending key procurement and stakeholder meetings to ensure transparency, equity, and compliance were maintained in real time. This included facilitating market sounding activities both locally and internationally, overseeing commercial discussions, and supporting Early Contractor Involvement processes through a robust probity lens.
OCM actively managed conflicts of interest, establishing clear registers, advising on mitigation strategies, and supporting senior decision-makers to navigate complex scenarios with confidence. We also delivered probity briefings for project teams, contractors, and stakeholders, reinforcing expectations around confidentiality, ethical conduct, and consistent engagement protocols.
Our approach was deliberately responsive and pragmatic, providing timely advice to the Minister, Chief Executive, and senior executives, while maintaining strong governance controls across all procurement stages.
Results that matter
Embedded trusted probity governance, enabling confident, transparent and defensible decision-making across high-value, high-profile renewable energy procurements.
OCM’s involvement significantly strengthened stakeholder confidence in the integrity of procurement processes, ensuring fairness and impartiality across multiple and concurrent activities. The project teams were supported with clear, consistent guidance, enabling them to navigate complex procurement environments while maintaining compliance and probity standards.
Importantly, OCM’s proactive and embedded approach enabled innovative, market-leading probity practices to be applied in a practical, delivery-focused manner. This ensured that commercial flexibility was balanced with governance rigor, supporting the successful progression of strategically significant infrastructure initiatives.
As a result, the client was able to deliver complex procurement processes with confidence, transparency, and accountability, reinforcing public trust and supporting the advancement of South Australia’s renewable energy agenda.
Our people
