As we reported here last week, the Department of Health had come under fire from Labor Senator Kristina Keneally during Senate Estimates over its decision to award a $920,000 contract to the ex-Opal CEO for his work developing a new financial monitoring system for residential care providers – now Mr Barnier has rejected any allegations of personal wrongdoing.

The ABC is reporting that the Department of Health only conducted a desktop analysis for the tender and did not contact any other suppliers before selecting Mr Barnier’s company.

The Department has come under media scrutiny over a number of limited aged care tenders awarded during the pandemic.

A spokesperson for Mr Barnier – a long-time member of the Aged Care Financing Authority (ACFA) – told the ABC that the various claims about his behaviour are “false allegations” which he “wholeheartedly” rejects.

“Mr Barnier is deeply upset by the allegations made against him,” they said.

“Investigations have found no wrongdoing by Mr Barnier.”

“Over the past decade, Mr Barnier has devoted his career to improving aged care for residents and their families, and he remains committed to this cause.”

“The Department of Health engaged him based on his unique skills and experience in the aged care sector.”

No word yet on the question on notice to the Department on whether any other contracts have been awarded to ACFA members.