The Auditor-General has issued a proposed program of performance audits for the coming financial year and has invited members of the Australian Public Service to comment on it.
In his report Draft 2020–21 Annual Audit Work Program, the Auditor-General, Grant Hehir says the work would be done by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and everyone was invited to make a contribution.
“Please review the draft potential performance audit topic list and tell us what you think,” Mr Hehir said.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic and the Australian Government’s response to it had significantly impacted the risk environment faced by the Australian public sector.
“This change in risk environment directly impacts on the work to be undertaken by the ANAO across its performance audit, financial audit and other assurance activities,” Mr Hehir said.
He said four potential audits relating to the pandemic had been included in the consultation draft for 2020–21 with two of them relating to risk management in the Australian Taxation Office and Services Australia.
“There is also a potential audit of the effectiveness of the approach taken to position the Australian Public Service to quickly and efficiently implement new response measures and deliver government policy including coordination and communication across the public sector and the deployment and management of resources,” he said.
Mr hehir said the fourth potential audit would focus on the $1.1 billion allocated to supplement the National Medical Stockpile
“The audit would review the procurement of health personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical devices to support the immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Among the broader selection of possible audit targets in the year head are:
Agriculture, Water and the Environment:
The implementation of an Integrated Information System for Biosecurity Surveillance and the Management of Grant Agreements under the 20 Million Trees Program.
Attorney-General’s:
The efficiency of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal’s Case Management and Implementation of Recommendations from the Independent Review of Whole-of-Government Internal Regulation.
Australian Taxation Office:
A follow-up addressing Superannuation Guarantee Non-compliance and the Administration of Income Tax for Individuals.
Defence:
Contract Administration in Defence — Management of Industry Security, Australian Industry Capability and Work Health and Safety.
Education, Skills and Employment:
Australian National University’s Governance and Control Frameworks and the Australian Skills Quality Authority.
Finance:
The Implementation of Recommendations from the Independent Review of Whole-of-Government Internal Regulation and the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority.
Foreign Affairs and Trade:
Effectiveness of Austrade’s Support for the Export of Australian Services and Administration of the Export Market Development Grants Scheme.
Health:
Administration of the Blood Supply System and Blood Products, and Administration of the Medical Research Future Fund.
Home Affairs:
AUSTRAC’s Regulation of Digital Currency Exchange Providers, and the Australian Federal Police’s Use of Statutory Powers.
Industry, Science, Energy and Resources:
Administration of the Drought Communities Program and Administration of the Research and Development Tax Incentive.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications:
Administration of Regulation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Administration of the Drought Communities Program.
The ANAO will accept feedback on the draft program until 29 May.
A detailed list of the possible audits can be accessed at this PS News link.
