Gateway - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a ‘Gateway Review’?

A: Gateway Reviews are reviews of major procurement projects by independent people at defined decision points in projects. Interviews with significant project stakeholders are held and the examination of project documents undertaken. Gateway is not an audit, a detailed technical review or an enquiry, but a review by experienced 'peers' to provide a 'fresh' view of the project. Gateway Reviews are conducted at six decision points (or gates) in the procurement cycle. 

Q: Do I need to submit my project for a Gateway Review?

A: As part of the process for the development of the State Infrastructure Strategy, government agencies are required to submit for Gateway Review all procurement proposals for projects that meet the following criteria:

• Estimated total cost over $10 million and
• commencing in years 2 – 4 of the upcoming forward estimates period
• proposed for State Infrastructure Strategy publication or other public statement

Business Case Review

• Estimated total cost over $1 million if requested by Treasury
• All projects with an estimated total cost over $10 million and commencing in the upcoming budget year

   These cost thresholds will be modified for project risk once the Project Profile Assessment tool has been upgraded

Q: Who is a Project Sponsor?

A: The senior agency officer with responsibility for the funding and performance of the project. This person is usually a member of the agency executive.

Q: What happens to the review report?

A: The review report is issued to the Project Sponsor, and no one else. The agency must include the report with its funding submission. It may also include a response to the report to show how issues raised have been dealt with.

Q: What is a typical Gateway Program?

A: A Gateway Review consists of four distinct steps:

1. Organise preliminary meeting between a Gateway Review Manager and the Project Sponsor to discuss the application of Gateway to the project.

2. Select Reviewers then meet with the Review Manager to plan the Review.

3. Conduct Review (interviews with project participants and stakeholders, examination of project documentation).

4. Present report to the Project Sponsor.

The Review Panel usually consists of three Reviewers (independent from the project), who examine project documentation and interview project team members and stakeholders. Reviewers are generally senior governement employess selected for their relevent expertise. The Review, facilitated by a Review Manager, is held over three to four days. Reviewers assess Agency's project proposals for robustness and contribution to improve performance.

Q: How are Gateway Reviews managed?

A: Treasury’s Gateway Team provides a ‘Review Manager’ for each review. The reviewers choose one of their members as the Review Leader to chair the review sessions. Agencies provide a review co-ordinator to manage logistics and interviews of project and other staff.

Q: How are Reviewers selected?

A: Reviewers are selected in discussion with the Project Sponsor or delegate, and are generally taken from the registered reviewers.

Subject matter specialists will be selected and specially trained by a member of the Treasury Gateway Team.

Q: What is Reviewer training?

A: Treasury’s Gateway Team provides Reviewer training through four training courses. These are held regularly. For more information please see refer to

Gateway Training in 2008 (doc 144Kb) 

Q: Are Reviewers paid?

A: Reviewers from within the Government sector are not paid. The reviewer system works on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis. If a reviewer from the private sector or from another jurisdiction is selected, it is the agencies responsibility to meet any costs.

Q: How long does a review take?

A: Agencies are generally advised to allow six weeks for the entire review process. The review consists of approximately 10 days for reading the provided documents, a half day planning the meeting and one to two days for the interviews. The review report is available less five to ten days after interviews.