Public Accounts Committee starts Defence inquiries

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has launched inquiries into the 2015-16 Defence Major Projects Report, and Defence Sustainment Expenditure.

The JCPAA is a central committee of the parliament with the power to initiate its own inquiries on the Commonwealth public sector.

The Committee has inquired into the Defence Major Projects Report on an annual basis since 2009, and will continue its oversight of the reporting of major Defence acquisitions through its inquiry into the 2015-16 Major Projects Report, which it is anticipated will be published shortly.

The inquiry into Defence Sustainment Expenditure will be considered in parallel to the Committee's inquiry into the Major Projects Report, and will examine matters of finance and public administration. Defence sustainment includes the provision of ongoing parts, supplies and services to Defence systems and assets. This inquiry has been readopted by the Committee after it lapsed following the prorogation of the 44th Parliament.

The Committee invites submissions to the inquiries by Friday, 17 February 2017, noting each inquiry has separate terms of reference. Public hearings will be held in late March 2017. Further information about the inquiries can be accessed via the Committee’s website.

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