The Department of Finance has issued a one-year ban on work by McNair Consulting, citing the firm’s use of fabricated survey results. The decision serves as a key example, according to the department, demonstrating the effectiveness of existing regulations and negating the need for proposed stricter penalties on research firms.

The department’s statement highlighted the severity of McNair Consulting’s actions, emphasizing that the ban underscores the current rules' ability to hold companies accountable for misleading practices. The case was used to counter a proposal from the Greens party, which advocates for heavier fines and more stringent oversight of research companies.

The Greens’ proposal aimed to address concerns about the integrity of research and the potential for manipulation within the industry. Proponents argued that existing penalties were insufficient to deter unethical behavior and protect consumers from inaccurate information. However, the Department of Finance maintains that the McNair Consulting case proves current regulations are capable of delivering appropriate consequences.

The ban prevents McNair Consulting from undertaking any new projects or contracts for a period of one year. Further details regarding the specific survey in question and the full scope of the department's findings were not immediately available, but the department confirmed that the investigation concluded McNair Consulting knowingly presented false data.