Helloworld wins extension for prized government contract
Helloworld Travel Limited announced the Department of Finance has extended the deed between the department and QBT.
QBT, a Helloworld subsidiary, will continue to provide travel management services for whole of government over a two year period from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021.
The extension was made in accordance with arrangements put in place when QBT initially won the contract for a four year period commencing 1 July 2015. There is a further one-year extension on the table should the department chose to extend beyond 30 June 2021.
“The extension was the result of hard work and dedication by QBT’s team in delivering excellent service and capability over the initial deed period,” Nick Sutherland, Helloworld’s general manager for corporate said.
The contract has been shrouded in controversy after a former Helloworld executive Russell Carstensen claimed Andrew Burnes, Helloworld CEO and Honorary Federal Treasurer of the Liberal Party, arranged for Hockey, and other embassy staff to meet with him two years ago in the US.
According to Carstensen, the Helloworld boss organised the meeting because Burnes said “Hockey owes me”.
Burnes has emphatically refuted the claims and said he has received no special treatment.
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