The Consultancy Conundrum: The Hollowing out of the Public Sector.

"The Consultancy Conundrum: The Hollowing out of the Public Sector" is a recent addition to the Monash University Publishing book series "In the National Interest," focusing on the modern boom in management consultancy and its impact on government and public administration. The book features essays from twelve authors discussing the consequences of the consultancy trend, such as reduced policy advising capacities in public services and potential conflicts of interest. Recommendations include rebuilding public service capacity and utilizing universities for outside help, aiming to address the issues raised by the increasing use of consultants in government affairs. The text suggests that a resolution to the challenges posed by consultancy may lie in fostering greater trust in public services and regulating the relationships between ministers, government officials, and consultants. [Extracted from the article]