Page 1833 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 8 June 2016
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Auditor-General Act to specify the term of the appointment of the Auditor-General. The reviewer noted—and this is where we all need to fess up—that, prior to amendments making the Auditor-General an officer of the Legislative Assembly, the appointment of the Auditor-General was for a non-renewable, fixed term of seven years. However, in amending the Auditor-General Act in 2014, this provision disappeared from the legislation, making it inconsistent with all other jurisdictions in Australia.
Another observation the review made was that the Audit Office could split its annual financial audit report to the Assembly. One could be an acquittal report on the financial statements and a statement of performance audit program, submitted, as usual, at the mid-year point, and a second report could be devoted to computer information systems and other controls and could be submitted later in the year.
He also suggested that agency responses to findings and recommendations in performance audits should be included in reports presented to the Assembly. In this context I note that the strategic review report I am presenting today includes the Auditor-General’s response to the recommendations. There are some recommendations for Audit Office internal operations, primarily to improve processes and timetables and reduce duplication through a more open engagement with clients.
The reviewer observed that budgetary supplementation needed to be considered when public interest disclosures go beyond a particular threshold. He found that 17 of the 19 recommendations from the previous strategic review had been actioned appropriately, with the remaining two being dealt with satisfactorily.
Members, I also take this opportunity to perhaps underline this very positive report by advising you that on 26 May the Auditor-General was presented with a certificate from CPA Australia that recognises the Audit Office as a recognised employer partner. The recognition extends for four years from 15 February. In making this award, CPA Australia acknowledges that the ACT Audit Office meets international best practice learning and development standards for accounting and finance professionals. CPA Australia recognises that the Audit Office has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and development by supporting the professional development of its accounting and finance employees. The recognised employer partner status, among other benefits, allows staff who are CPA members to meet practical experience requirements. I congratulate the Audit Office on receiving this recognition and on faring so well in the strategic review.
Members, in tabling this report, I am aware that the reviewer has identified a number of matters that may be of interest to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and there also are matters relating to the office of the legislative assembly act that will be of interest to the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure.
In order to activate proper consideration of these matters, I intend to give notice today that I will move a motion tomorrow. The substantive elements of this motion are twofold. Firstly, it would ask the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to consider and make recommendations on the establishment of a term of appointment for the ACT Auditor-General by way of amendment to the Auditor-General Act 1996.
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