THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has tabled its report for its inquiry into the 2021–22 Annual Performance Statements audits by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO).

The committee’s report focused on issues raised in the report, such as the impact of Machinery of Government changes, and the ANAO’s conduct of these audits, including the scheduling of these audits.  

Chair of the JCPAA, Julian Hill MP said, "Performance reporting may not be the most exciting of topics, but for public sector agencies charged with serious responsibilities and entrusted with spending billions of dollars wisely it really, really matters. Unlike financial reporting, which has been subject to ANAO audits for decades, performance reporting has been underdeveloped and under resourced.

“Plainly speaking, while Australians can trust the accounts of government departments as they are thoroughly audited, for too long the Parliament and the public have had no reliable way of knowing whether what agencies report in their performance statements is true or not. Do all those often mind-numbing KPIs and measures fairly represent what an agency does? Are there actually data sources underneath all the reports? Are they a fair measure of what’s been achieved, or did someone fudge the books?

“The ANAO’s 2021–22 Annual Performance Statements audits showed a clear improvement in the performance reporting and highlighted a number of key issues, such the lack of verifiable methodologies or supporting information for performance measures, as well as valuable examples of better practice," Mr Hill said.

The committee was concerned with the current need for performance statements audits to be requested by the Finance Minister before the ANAO can begin their work. This is an unnecessary process that can significantly delay these audits, and should be removed.”

The committee’s report makes four recommendations to improve the process and impact of performance statements audits.

The committee’s interim report and further information on the inquiry is available on the Committee website.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India (Mumbai, March 10, 2023).

The Agreement provides a framework for Australia and India to cooperate on the approval and making of audiovisual productions which could include feature films, television, video recordings, animations, and digital format productions.

Committee Chair Josh Wilson MP said, "The committee’s scrutiny of this Agreement highlights that there is considerable value in Australia connecting and collaborating with the Indian film industry. The Agreement provides a valuable means for the two countries to share knowledge, skills, logistics and creative abilities.”

This would be the 14th co-production arrangement that Australia has entered into under Australia’s International Co-Production Program. The projects that are approved as official co-productions under the Agreement would be regarded as national productions of both Australia and India.

Mr Wilson said, “The Agreement would encourage employment in the screen industry, as well as technical development in the field of audiovisual production. It would also build on the existing, strong, and multifaceted relationship between Australia and India and benefit cultural exchange.”

The committee noted support for the Agreement from the government and representatives of the Australian-India film industry.

The committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.

The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.

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The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) terminated the registration of Queensland tax agent, Gary Turner and imposed the maximum five-year ban from reapplying for registration, claiming he "showed total disregard for the tax profession and the welfare of taxpayers when he allowed unregistered preparers to dodge the registration requirements".

The TPB statement alleged, "He did this by allowing the unregistered preparers to use his tax agent number and his access to the Australian Taxation Office via online services for agents, to provide tax agent services."

According tot he TPB, unregistered preparers, "who are often unqualified and poorly trained, operate outside of the law and pose a serious risk to taxpayers, the profession and the tax system. It is important for taxpayers to understand that if an unregistered preparer makes a mistake or submits a fraudulent tax return on their behalf, the taxpayer will be accountable for any liabilities and will have to pay any Australian Taxation Office penalties.

"It is also unlikely that an unregistered preparer will have appropriate professional indemnity insurance cover to compensate a taxpayer if they suffer a loss due to an error or omission that results from a service they provide."

TPB investigations found Mr Turner had breached several Code of Professional Conduct items. This included making false statements to the TPB to hide the fact he had not completed continuing professional education requirements (CPE). CPE is an important ongoing registration requirement that assists tax practitioners in maintaining the knowledge and skills relevant to the services they provide.

In addition, Mr Turner claimed that he met the relevant experience requirements for registration even though he had not. He also failed to provide adequate supervision for the tax agent services provided on his behalf.

Due to his serious failures and his repeated misconduct, it was determined Mr Turner was no longer a fit and proper person to be registered as a tax agent.

Chair of the TPB, Peter de Cure AM, is warning all tax practitioners that there are serious consequences for allowing people to use their registration number.

"Anyone providing tax agent services on your behalf must be supervised," Mr de Cure said. "We will not allow this unethical behaviour to go unpunished and will continue to protect the public and prioritise these serious breaches of law and trust."

Mr de Cure went on to say ‘Mr Turner’s conduct was serious and demonstrated dishonesty. His actions undermined the integrity of the tax profession and posed an unacceptable risk to the public."

As a part of the TPB’s new Client Support Program, the TPB will be contacting the clients of Gary Turner urging them to ensure their personal information is secure and, if required, to seek out the services of a registered tax or BAS agent.

This program has been developed by the TPB to assist and support the community by ensuring tax practitioner services are provided in accordance with appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct. It provides support to clients that find themselves in a difficult situation after using the services of a high-risk tax practitioner. For help finding a registered tax or BAS agent, check the TPB Register.

About the Tax Practitioners Board

The TPB regulates tax practitioners in order to protect consumers. The TPB aims to assure the community that tax practitioners meet appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct. Followon Twitter, LinkedInandFacebook.

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TIME is running out to apply for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, a program celebrating and empowering the inclusive and courageous leadership of women in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. 

Applications will close on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 11.59pm AEDT.

The award acts as a springboard, inspiring and nurturing Australian women to harness their skills for the betterment of their industries and communities, while simultaneously unlocking doors to crucial funding opportunities for existing projects and businesses.

Beyond recognition, the award also provides a pathway for personal and professional growth, offering not only access to vital funding but also a doorway to extensive professional development opportunities and a cherished alumni network.

State and territory winners are awarded a $15,000 grant sponsored by Westpac. Importantly, the program welcomes applications from women across Australia, irrespective of their location.

AgriFutures Australia managing director, John Harvey said AgriFutures was committed to the future growth and advancement of the award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women.

“If you are passionate about creating impact, innovating, and making a difference in rural and regional Australia, we want to hear from you,” Mr Harvey said.

“By participating in this program, you will become part of a dynamic network of over 350 accomplished women who have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to rural industries and rural and regional Australia.”

The 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, Nikki Davey said winning the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has been a game-changer.

“On both a personal and professional level, being involved in the Awards has boosted my confidence and helped transform my business.” Ms Davey said.

“It elevated my potential, provided essential funding, and thrusted my brand into the spotlight, while connecting me with new audiences and communities. I would say to anyone considering applying, if you've got a project that fits the bill, then don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award and join the ranks of incredible women driving change and innovation in rural Australia.”

AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant

AgriFutures also runs a program called the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration grant. While this runs separately, it compliments the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The aim is to provide a leadership and development opportunity to women who are not quite ready to apply for the award.

Each year, seven Australian women will be granted with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring our rural industries prosper now, and into the future.

For more information and to apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, visit our website at https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/.

For more information on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant visit http://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/acceleration-grant/

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