No-show businessman prompts inquiry referral threat

An associate of ex-MP Stuart Robert had been ordered to appear before a parliamentary committee. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Issues raised at an inquiry examining government contracts linked to consultancy firms could be referred to other agencies for investigation, after a businessman facing scrutiny left the country.

The parliamentary committee is investigating Synergy 360, a consulting firm linked to former federal Liberal MP and minister Stuart Robert.

The firm has been accused of channelling money to a company linked to Mr Robert to win lucrative government contracts.

The allegations, made under parliamentary privilege, have been denied by Mr Robert.

Businessman John Margerison, an associate of Mr Robert, had been ordered to produce evidence and appear before the committee.

But lawyers for Mr Margerison said he would not face the inquiry because he lived overseas and had "severed all ties" with Australia.

The committee's chair, Labor MP Julian Hill, told parliament the committee had written back to Mr Margerison's lawyers, requesting information on his whereabouts.

Mr Hill said the matter could be referred to "investigative bodies".

"The committee has reached no conclusion at this stage and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the committee and is welcome to make a submission," he told parliament on Thursday.

"Further hearings may be held in August and September, but I cannot advise that the report will be tabled."

Mr Robert resigned from parliament this year. 

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