The Public Service Association says the lack of transparency on consultant spending is obstructing the drive for gender pay equity. 

The use of consultants and contractors rose again last year with the 17 largest government departments or agencies spending more than $1 billion on them. 

The government says that's due to the pandemic and one-off capital projects, but the overall trend is downwards. 

The Public Service Association's national secretary Kerry Davies speaks to Meriana Johnsen.