Costello facing scrutiny over audit work Peter Costello will be the guest speaker at the launch of a new private advisory service by Mills Oakley lawyers this week. The firm will start offering corporate and business advice to owners of private and family businesses and wealthy individuals. Mr Costello is expected to make a speech and presentation at the firm's Melbourne offices on Thursday this week. His appearance comes as Mr Costello faces scrutiny about potential conflicts of interest between his public relations work and appointment as chairman of Queensland's Commission of Audit. The audit recommended that the Queensland government privatise its energy sector and outsource government services, including health. However, Mr Costello's private company ECG (Espstein Costello Gazard) Advisory Solutions has, at the same time as the audit, been registered as a lobbyist for energy company SP AusNet, Primary Health Care, ASG Group and Serco Asia Pacific. In a statement last week ECG said it had ""no current business relationship with SP AusNet, Primary Health Care or ASG. ""These relationships concluded before the audit made its 28 February, 2013, recommendations. Serco is represented in Queensland by another firm,"" it said. Meanwhile chief executive of Mills Oakley, John Nerurker, said the new private advisory team would help non-listed company and individuals. ""It will provide a dedicated service for non-listed companies and individuals who seek the reassurance of dealing with a large commercial law practice, while enjoying deep subject matter expertise is areas that are particular to private and family businesses."" This includes tax matters, business exits, co-ownership issues, asset protection, estate planning and business succession planning.