Page 669 - Week 02 - Thursday, 20 March 2014
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The first comment is in relation to bodies where several appointments to one statutory body are anticipated in a short period. It is preferable, if possible, for ministers to propose appointments in a group rather than in two, or even three, separate proposals within a short period of time. In the case of one body, the committee considered that several appointments could have been held over and combined, rather than submitting them to the committee on two separate appointments.
The committee’s second comment is that ministers and their directorates should carefully observe and apply the terms of the continuing resolution and ensure they provide full details—including a copy of statutory provisions—which govern proposed appointments, particularly those specifying the constitution of a body, the number of members, and the qualifications, term of appointment and remuneration.
I must add, Madam Assistant Speaker, that this has been more and more adhered to. It is very pleasing to see this, but I think it is just we need to keep on reminding ourselves about that. The committee thanks the ministers with whom it deals on statutory appointments for their cooperation and assistance and looks forward to reporting further under this order of the Assembly in the second part of the year.
Public Accounts—Standing Committee
Statement by chair
MR SMYTH (Brindabella): Pursuant to standing order 246A, I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts relating to inquiries about certain Auditor-General’s reports currently before the committee—review of Auditor-General’s report No 5 of 2013: Bushfire preparedness.
On 26 July 2013, Auditor-General’s report No 5 of 2013 was referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for inquiry. This report presented the results of a performance audit of Australian Capital Territory’s government agencies’ preparedness to manage bushfire threats to the ACT. The report contained 24 recommendations. The committee received a briefing from the Auditor-General in relation to the audit report on 15 October 2013 and a submission from the government dated 23 October 2013.
The committee has resolved to inquire further into the report. Whilst the terms of reference for the inquiry will be the information contained within the audit report, the committee’s inquiry will focus specifically on strategic readiness for bushfire prevention and preparedness; the farm firewise program; and implementation of audit recommendations. The committee will be inviting written submissions to its inquiry from key interest and stakeholder groups. The committee is expecting to report to the Legislative Assembly as soon as practicable.
Planning, Environment and Territory and Municipal Services—Standing Committee
Alteration to reporting date
Motion (by Mr Gentleman, by leave) agreed to:
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