Review of the Auditor-General Act 1997

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced a review of the Auditor-General Act 1997. The review is being undertaken in accordance with section 8(g) and (h) of the Public Accounts and Audit Act 1951.

As part of the review the Committee will inquire into and report on:

• the governance framework as it relates to the Auditor-General and the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), including the independence of the Auditor-General as an Officer of the Parliament and the audit independence of the ANAO, and resourcing arrangements;
• the Auditor-General’s information gathering powers and confidentiality of information, including with reference to parliamentary privilege and the interaction between the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Act;
• the interaction of the Act and other relevant legislation including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 1987;
• the Auditor-General’s capacity to initiate audits into, and examine the performance of all entities in the Australian  Government sector;
• accessibility and transparency of reports and audit conclusions, including the operation of section 37 of the Act;
• the Audit Priorities of the Parliament; and
• the role and appointment of the Independent Auditor.

Lucy Wicks MP, Chair of the Committee, said, "The current 10-year review of the Auditor-General Act will provide an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the Auditor-General undertakes his role as an independent officer of the Parliament. The Committee will also examine options for possible areas of reform to support the effective operation of the Australian National Audit Office."

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Monday, November 30, 2020. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

Further information about the review is available on the Committee’s website.

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