Consultant 'not paid to lobby' on uni bill

A consultant paid by the government to talk to senators opposed to higher education changes was not lobbying them to change their minds, a Senate hearing has been told.

Robert Griew discussed fresh options on deregulation measures twice blocked by the Senate with universities and crossbenchers under the almost $100,000 contract.

"We are absolutely confident there was no lobbying and no advocacy," federal education department secretary Lisa Paul told the estimates hearing in Canberra on Wednesday.

Mr Griew, who had previously worked for the department, was personally suggested for the job by the chief of staff of former education minister Christopher Pyne.

The department maintains his was a listening role.

"It wasn't Robert Griew giving views, it was him receiving views," Ms Paul said.