The Auditor-General, Grant Hehir has invited comments and suggestions on his draft 2018–19 Annual Audit Work Program, offering protection and privacy for anyone submitting confidential information.
Mr Hehir said the purpose of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) was to improve public sector performance and support accountability and transparency in the Government sector through independent reporting to the Parliament, the executive and the public.
He said in support of this the ANAO published an annual audit work program in July each year.
“Submissions must relate to the performance or expenditure of Commonwealth public sector entities,” Mr Hehir said.
“The confidentiality of your contribution may be protected by law.”
He said any personal information gathered by the ANAO would be treated in accordance with the ANAO Privacy Policy.
Mr Hehir said people planning to make a submission should note the ANAO did not investigate complaints or disputes, review or provide legal decisions, and did not comment on the merits of Government policy and legislation.
He said the ANAO targeted program and policy development, program administration, service delivery and regulatory activities.
Mr Hehir said the proposed topics were informed by six priority considerations: risk, impact, importance, materiality, auditability, and previous coverage.
“Our aim is to achieve a balanced audit program, which examines efficiency, effectiveness, economy, ethics and compliance across all areas of the Australian Government,” he said.
“Following consideration of feedback obtained during the consultation period, the final program will be published on the ANAO website.”
Mr Hehir said the final program would include around 100 potential performance audit and assurance review topics and he would have the decision on the timing of the audits.
The draft program of work for the ANAO can be accessed at this PS News link.
