This information report would cover Australian Government grants reporting following on from Auditor-General Report No. 7 2021–22 Australian Government Grants Reporting. The report would provide transparency of, and insights on government grants expenses and Commonwealth entities’ self-reporting of grants on GrantConnect.

This information report would provide transparency and insights on SES attrition from and movement within the Australian Public Service (APS). The potential data sources include the APS Employment Database, and information published on Gazette. This information report would be neither an audit nor an assurance review and would not present conclusions or opinions.

The intent of performance statements audits is to drive improvements in the transparency and quality of entities’ performance reporting and, in turn, increase entities’ accountability to the Parliament and public.

Provides an overview of the annual audit work program including the purpose and key features, and how the program is developed and delivered. Information about the development of the annual audit work program includes details of environmental scanning, topic development, coverage review, consultation, final review and audit selection.

The consolidated financial statements (CFS) present whole-of-government financial results inclusive of all Australian Government–controlled entities. Also presented are the financial statements of the general government sector (GGS) and disaggregated information on each of the sectors of government.

Performance statements audits are conducted under the ANAO Auditing Standards. These standards are based on the Standard on Assurance Engagements ASAE 3000 Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information that is issued by the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. The aim is to provide reasonable assurance on the quality and reliability of entity performance statements.

Annual performance statements audits are structured similarly to financial statements audits with a planning, interim and final phase to allow entities time to correct issues noted and align with annual report tabling.

This report will focus on key selected major Defence acquisition projects in accordance with the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) MPR Guidelines.

Increased transparency and accountability on progress with major Defence equipment acquisitions has been a focus of parliamentary interest for some time. Beginning in 2007–08, an annual program has been established in conjunction with the Department of Defence to enable the ANAO to review and report to the Parliament on the status of major Defence acquisition projects, as set out in the major projects report. The review includes information relating to the cost, schedule and progress towards delivery of required capability of individual projects at 30 June each year, and is undertaken at the request of JCPAA.

The Auditor-General has received correspondence from Ms Kylea Tink MP dated 28 February 2025, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the defence export permit approvals process. This request is under consideration and the response will be published here.

The Auditor-General responded on 6 February 2025 to correspondence from Dr Anne Webster MP dated 17 January 2025, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine whether the Australian Government's Housing Support Program granted funds in accordance with stated criteria. 

The Auditor-General responded on 20 December 2024 to correspondence from the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP dated 26 November 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the administrative arrangements of the Inclusion Support Program (ISP).

The Auditor-General responded on 2 December 2024 to correspondence from Dr Helen Haines MP dated 4 November 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation on the actions and decisions of the Priority Community Infrastructure Program (PCIP) and Investing in Our Communities Program (IOCP).

The Auditor-General responded on Thursday 13 July 2023 to correspondence from Senator Jacqui Lambie dated 16 June 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General consider an audit of the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator Lambie on 4 October 2023.

The Auditor-General received further correspondence from Senator Lambie on 6 October 2023 and 3 November 2023. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator Lambie on 15 November 2023.

The Auditor-General received further follow-up correspondence from Senator Lambie on 18 October 2024. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator Lambie on 31 October 2024.

The acting Auditor-General responded on 24 September 2024 to correspondence from Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck dated 27 August 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme.

The acting Auditor-General responded on 26 August 2024 to correspondence from the Hon Paul Fletcher MP dated 30 July 2024 and follow-up correspondence dated 14 August 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation into the investment in PsiQuantum announced by the Australian and Queensland governments on 30 April 2024.

The acting Auditor-General responded on 14 August 2024 to correspondence from Senator David Shoebridge dated 26 July 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to the use of public funds allocated towards the OneSchool Global schools.

The acting Auditor-General responded on 24 April 2024 to correspondence from Senator Janet Rice and Senator Penny Allman-Payne dated 27 March 2024, requesting the Auditor-General to conduct an audit of the contract between Miles Morgan Australia and the Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver the Future Fit program.

The acting Auditor-General made a follow-up response to Senator Penny Allman-Payne dated 5 July 2024, on conducting a performance audit into the Administration of the Future Fit Program.

The Auditor-General wrote to the Minister for Finance on 21 June 2024 to advise of the outcomes of the 2023–24 annual performance statements audit program, and a proposal for expanding the program of audits in 2024–25 and the following two financial years. The Minister for Finance responded on 2 July 2024 supporting the proposal. The Minister for Finance's full response is provided below.

The acting Auditor-General responded on 27 June 2024 to correspondence from Senator Andrew Bragg dated 5 June 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the contract for legal services between King & Wood Mallesons and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources regarding PSI Quantum.

The acting Auditor-General responded on 29 February 2024 to correspondence from Hon. Catherine King MP dated 29 January 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General to conduct an assurance review of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Aids to Navigation (AtoN) procurement.

The Auditor-General responded on 16 January 2024 to correspondence from Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie dated 22 December 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General to conduct an audit into the Australian Government's $2.2 billion commitment to the Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop Project.

The Auditor-General responded on 20 December 2023 to correspondence from Ms Zali Steggall MP dated 15 December 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct a review of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, administered by the Attorney-General’s Department.

The Auditor-General responded on 28 September 2023 to correspondence from Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash dated 5 September 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to assess the adequacy of data collection, performance monitoring and other governance arrangements under the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) in the Attorney-General’s portfolio.

The Auditor-General wrote to the Minister for Finance on 26 June 2023 to advise of the outcomes of the 2022–23 annual performance statements audit program, and a proposal for expanding the program of audits in 2023–24 and the following two financial years. The Minister for Finance responded on 18 July 2023 supporting the proposal. The Minister for Finance's full response is provided below.

The Auditor-General received correspondence from Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP dated 3 April 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program. The Auditor-General responded to the correspondence on 23 May 2023.

The Auditor-General responded on 6 April 2023 to correspondence from Senator Andrew Bragg dated 8 March 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation into the costs of the ongoing legal dispute concerning the Commonwealth and Dr Monique Ryan MP. The Auditor-General responded on 11 May 2023 to follow-up correspondence from Senator Bragg dated 18 April 2023, requesting a timeline for finalisation of the 2022–23 financial statements audit of the Department of Finance.

The Auditor-General responded on 15 December 2023 regarding the ANAO enquiries and that the results are published in the Auditor-General Report No.9 (2023-24) Audits of the Financial Statements of Australian Government Entities ended 30 June 2023 that tabled in the Parliament on 14 December 2023.

The Auditor-General responded on 26 April 2023 to correspondence from the Hon David Coleman MP dated 29 March 2023 and 12 April 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct a full investigation into the design and administration of Round 6 of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

The Auditor-General received correspondence from Senator the Hon Don Farrell dated 7 November 2022, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Parliamentary Expenses Management System project.

The Auditor-General met with Senator the Hon Don Farrell on 24 November 2022 to discuss the concerns raised in the request for audit. The request is being considered in the development of the ANAO 2022–23 Annual Audit Work Program.

The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator the Hon Don Farrell on 14 April 2023.

The Acting Auditor-General responded on 23 February 2023 to correspondence from Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP dated 3 February 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General undertake a performance audit of the Expensive Commonwealth Criminal Cases Fund. 

The Auditor-General responded on 3 February 2023 to correspondence from Senator Nick McKim dated 10 January 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation into decisions by the Department of Home Affairs to engage Management & Training Corporation Pty. Ltd (MTC Australia) to run garrison and welfare services in Nauru for refugees and people who sought asylum in Australia. 

The Auditor-General wrote to the Minister for Finance on 25 October 2022 to advise of the outcomes of the 2021–22 annual performance statements audit program, and a proposal for expanding the program of audits in 2022–23 and the following two financial years. The Minister for Finance responded on 16 January 2023 supporting the proposal. The Minister for Finance's full response is provided below.

The Auditor-General responded on 23 December 2022 to correspondence from Senator Malcolm Roberts dated 29 November 2022, enquiring about public contributions to the Administration of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements performance audit.

The Auditor-General responded on 9 September 2022 to correspondence from Senator the Hon Jonathon Duniam dated 17 August 2022, requesting that the Auditor-General provide feedback on the University of Tasmania's proposal to relocate the Sandy Bay campus to Hobart CBD. 

The Auditor-General responded on 25 July 2022 to correspondence from former Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells dated 3 June 2022 requesting that the Auditor-General consider a request by Kollaras to examine the performance of the Australian Border Force’s administration of the ‘duty drawback scheme’ in 2019–20.

The Auditor-General responded on 5 July 2022 to correspondence from the Hon Richard Marles MP dated 31 May 2022, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to review the Workforce Australia procurement processes. 

The Auditor-General responded on 2 May 2022 to correspondence from Senator Rex Patrick dated 5 April 2022, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the process in making statutory and other senior appointments across the whole government over the six months preceding the application of caretaker conventions prior to the 2022 Federal election. 

The Auditor-General responded on 22 April 2022 to correspondence from Senator the Hon Eric Abetz dated 28 March 2022, requesting that the ABC’s defamation case payment be included as a topic in the ANAO’s Annual Audit Work Program 2022–23. 

The Auditor-General responded on 13 April 2022 to correspondence from Mr Adam Bandt MP dated 24 March 2022, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the integrity of carbon credit methodology determinations made under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011, and the administration of the Act by the Clean Energy Regulator. 

The Auditor-General responded on 10 March 2022 to correspondence from Senator the Hon Eric Abetz dated 9 February 2022, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the planned relocation of the University of Tasmania. 

The Auditor-General responded on 17 January 2022 to correspondence from the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP dated 20 December 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Australian Government’s administration of Australian Research Council grants. 

The Auditor-General responded on 17 June 2021 to correspondence from the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC, MP dated 21 May 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine how part-time members of the Social Services and Child Support Division and “sessional part-time members” in the Migration and Refugee Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal are being remunerated. 

The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC, MP on 17 December 2021. 

The Auditor-General responded on 13 December 2021 to correspondence from Senator Jordon Steele-John dated 17 November 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the administration of a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme program for opioid dependency treatment. 

The Auditor-General responded on 19 November 2021 to correspondence from Ms Alicia Payne MP dated 5 November 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General clarify some points of concern about the potential audit of the Australian War Memorial expansion (Management of the Australian War Memorial's development project).

The Auditor-General responded on 19 November 2021 to correspondence from Senator Malcolm Roberts dated 28 October 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General clarify issues relating to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. 

The Auditor-General received further correspondence about this matter from the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Mr Brendan Moon on 6 June 2022. 

Following a request from the Minister for Finance in October 2021, the ANAO is expanding the performance statements audit program from three audits to six audits in 2021–22. The ANAO will continue the program of work with Department of Veterans Affairs, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Social Services and will add three new entities, being the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, and the Treasury.

The Auditor-General responded on 22 October 2021 to correspondence from Senator Mehreen Faruqi dated 27 September 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the administration of the Australian Research Council's funding application processes. 

The Auditor-General responded on 13 September 2021 to correspondence from Senator the Hon Eric Abetz dated 17 August 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC's) payment of the damages and legal costs of one of its employees in a private defamation proceeding. 

The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator the Hon Eric Abetz on 15 October 2021. 

The Auditor-General responded on 10 September 2021 to correspondence from Mr Adam Bandt MP dated 25 August 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation into the management of the Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program. 

The Auditor-General responded on 10 September 2021 to correspondence from Ms Madeleine King MP and Senator the Hon Kristina Keneally dated 26 August 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program because of probity concerns. 

The Auditor-General responded on 20 August 2021 to correspondence from Mr Julian Hill MP dated 26 July 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the efficiency, effectiveness, quality and integrity of partner visa processing by the Department of Home Affairs. 

The Auditor-General has received follow-up correspondence from Mr Julian Hill MP dated 27 August 2021.

The Auditor-General responded on 2 August 2021 to correspondence from the Hon Catherine King MP and Mr Andrew Giles MP dated 7 July 2021, requesting an audit into the entirety of the Morrison Government's $4.8 billion Urban Congestion Fund.

The Auditor-General responded on 29 July 2021 to correspondence from Ms Michelle Rowland MP and Senator Kimberley Kitching dated 9 July 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine NBN Co Limited executive bonuses for the 2019–2020 financial year and the legitimacy of the underlying targets to which the bonuses were linked. 

The Auditor-General responded on 1 July 2021 to correspondence from the Hon Brendan O'Connor MP and Mr Tim Watts MP dated 5 June 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General consider initiating a performance audit into the use of provisional ICT accreditation within Defence. 

The Auditor-General responded on 22 June 2021 to correspondence from Mr Jason Falinski MP dated 27 May 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine concerns raised by Mr Falinski's constituent regarding the louvre windows selected by the appointed company for the Department of Defence building project — Cook and Tiroas Barracks, Vanuatu.

The Auditor-General responded on 16 June 2021 to correspondence from Senator Malcolm Roberts dated 19 May 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the administration of Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements programs and funding. 

The Auditor-General responded on 7 June 2021 to correspondence from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young dated 10 May 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the federal government’s spending on offsets for the Western Sydney Airport.

The Auditor-General responded on 17 May 2021 to correspondence from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young dated 21 April 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an audit of the $40 million given to Fox Sports for the purpose of broadcasting women’s sport. 

The Auditor-General responded on 14 May 2021 to correspondence from the Hon Julie Collins MP dated 20 April 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct further work identifying strategic risks in grants administration within the Agriculture, Water and the Environment portfolio. 

The Auditor-General responded on 13 May 2021 to correspondence from Senator Janet Rice dated 16 April 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Commonwealth’s responsibilities in relation to Regional Forest Agreements, including monitoring implementation, coordinating annual reports and conducting reviews. 

The Auditor-General responded on 5 May 2021 to correspondence from Senator Gerard Rennick dated 22 March 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General put in place the practice of annually auditing Australia's gold reserves.

The Auditor-General responded on 10 March 2021 to correspondence from Senator the Hon Kristina Keneally dated 11 February 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General consider conducting a performance audit of the Safer Communities Fund and the awarding of discretionary grants from the proceeds of crime. 

The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator Keneally on 14 April 2021. 

The Auditor-General responded on 23 December 2020 to correspondence from the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP dated 8 December 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the JobKeeper scheme. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response on 8 February 2021, advising the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP that a performance audit Administration of the JobKeeper Scheme has commenced.

The Auditor-General responded on 26 March 2021 to follow-up correspondence from the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP dated 2 March 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General explore specific aspects of the JobKeeper scheme. 

The Auditor-General responded on 11 December 2020 to correspondence from the Hon Richard Marles MP dated 16 November 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Future Submarine and Future Frigate programs. 

The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Mr Marles on 19 March 2021. 

The Auditor-General responded on 4 February 2021 to correspondence from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young dated 14 January 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an audit of the approval of the Yeelirrie uranium mine by the Federal Government in 2019.

The Auditor-General responded on 5 January 2021 to correspondence from Ms Kristy McBain MP dated 14 December 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General review the governance and outcomes of a 2019 tender process seeking leased office accommodation for the Department of Defence. 

The Auditor-General responded on 6 October 2020 to correspondence from Senator Murray Watt dated 18 September 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the conduct of Senator Pauline Hanson, relevant government ministers — particularly the Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP — and the relevant departments in relation to the announcement of $23 million in Commonwealth Government funding for the Victoria Park stadium in Rockhampton. Senator Watt also requested that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the assessment process of the project undertaken by the relevant government ministers and their departments before awarding the $23 million grant. 

The Auditor-General responded on 21 August 2020 to correspondence from the Hon Mark Butler MP dated 26 July 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General review the integrity of the Supporting Reliable Energy Infrastructure Program, in particular with reference to the grant to Shine Energy. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response on 16 September 2020.

The Auditor-General responded on 9 September 2020 to correspondence from Ms Zali Steggall OAM, MP dated 24 August 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General consider an audit of the decisions and processes supporting the Commonwealth’s selection of 15 ‘major projects’ to fast-track under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

The Auditor-General responded on 31 August 2020 to correspondence from Mr Stephen Jones MP dated 5 August 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General review the integrity and performance of the Government’s early release scheme for superannuation, as established through the Coronavirus Economic Response Omnibus Package Act 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on 19 August 2020 to correspondence from the Hon Catherine King MP dated 28 July 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the design and administration of the Regional Airlines Funding Assistance Program.

The Auditor-General responded on Thursday 27 February 2020 to correspondence from Mr Andrew Giles MP dated 4 February 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General undertake a performance audit of the Urban Congestion Fund. The fund is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. The Auditor-General provided follow-up responses to Mr Giles MP on 24 July 2020 and 19 August 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on 12 August 2020 to correspondence from Senator Rachel Siewert dated 9 July 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General examine the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission as part of the audit program of the Government’s COVID-19 response. 

The Auditor-General responded on Thursday 27 February 2020 to correspondence from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young dated 16 February 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the eligibility guidelines and administration of grant funding arrangements set out under both the Environment Restoration Fund and Communities Environment Program, and the conduct of any relevant parties in relation to these grant funds. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator Hanson-Young on 24 July 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on 12 May 2020 to correspondence from Ms Zali Steggall OAM, MP dated 23 April 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General consider an audit of the Australian Government’s Underwriting New Generation Investment (UNGI) program. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Ms Steggall OAM, MP on 24 July 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on 25 May 2020 to correspondence from Senator Katy Gallagher dated 4 May 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Government’s debt management given the significant and rapidly increasing Commonwealth government debt levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator Gallagher on 24 July 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on 29 October 2019 to correspondence from the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP dated 1 October 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an examination of Federal Government drought funding measures. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP on 24 July 2020.

The Auditor-General responded on 11 March 2020 to follow-up correspondence from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, requesting an audit into the Federal and South Australian governments’ agreement to reduce SA’s Murray-Darling river water allocation by 100GL and Commonwealth funding provided to increase the use of the state’s desalination plant to replace the water. The Auditor-General responded to the original correspondence from Senator Hanson-Young on 19 December 2019. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator Hanson-Young on 24 July 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on 20 September 2019 to correspondence from Mr Julian Hill MP dated 3 September 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine aspects of the family migration program. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Mr Hill MP on 24 July 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on 14 January 2020 to correspondence from the Hon Catherine King MP, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine programs supporting regional development and jobs growth. The Auditor-General also responded on 2 April 2020 to follow-up correspondence from the Hon Catherine King MP dated 3 March 2020, alerting the Auditor-General to evidence given in Senate estimates that relates to the original correspondence. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to the Hon Catherine King MP on 24 July 2020. 

The Auditor-General responded on Thursday 27 February 2020 to correspondence from senators Janet Rice and Larissa Waters dated 7 February 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General investigate the decision-making process under the Community Sport Infrastructure — female facilities and water safety program, and the conduct of any relevant parties in relation to this matter. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to senators Rice and Waters on 24 July 2020. 

The Auditor-General has responded on 3 July 2020 to correspondence from the Hon Brendan O'Connor MP dated 11 June 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General consider an audit of the operation of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Export Hubs program. The SME Export Hubs program is administered by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. 

The Auditor-General responded on 27 February 2020 to correspondence from senators Larissa Waters and Janet Rice dated 14 February 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the decision-making process under the Community Development Grants Programme.

The Auditor-General responded on 3 July 2020 to follow-up correspondence from senators Larissa Waters and Janet Rice dated 9 June 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General reconsider including a review of the decision-making process under the Community Development Grants Programme as part of the ANAO 2020-21 Annual Audit Work Program.

The Auditor-General responded on 23 April 2020 to correspondence from Senator Katy Gallagher dated 31 March 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General develop an audit program related to the Australian Government’s economic response to COVID-19. 

The Auditor-General responded on 20 March 2020 to correspondence from Senator Larissa Waters dated 25 February 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General consider the process followed in approving the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project when conducting the audit Referrals, assessments and approvals of controlled actions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

The Auditor-General responded on 14 February 2020 to correspondence from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young dated 20 January 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General investigate allegations concerning procurement of water entitlements in the Murray-Darling Basin. 

The Auditor-General responded on 11 December 2019 to correspondence from Senator Kimberley Kitching dated 14 November 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General consider undertaking proposed audits of parliamentary departments listed in the work program. 

The Auditor-General responded on 22 November 2019 to correspondence from Senator Katy Gallagher dated 25 October 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine government spending on external contractors and consultants. 

The Auditor-General responded on 18 November 2019 to correspondence from Mr Andrew Giles MP, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the effectiveness of the procurement to deliver a new global visa processing system.

The Auditor-General responded on 14 November 2019 to correspondence from the Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, regarding annual performance statements audits. The Minister requested that the Auditor-General conduct a program of pilot assurance audits of annual performance statements of Commonwealth entities subject to the PGPA Act, in consultation with the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA). The Auditor-General has agreed to the request and proposes to conduct a pilot to audit the 2019–20 performance statements of three entities.

The Auditor-General responded on 12 July 2019 to correspondence from Senator Mehreen Faruqi dated 3 July 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Live Exports Branch of the Department of Agriculture. The request for audit related to allegations of mismanagement and falsification of official records.

The Auditor-General responded on 3 May 2019 to correspondence from Mr Stephen Jones MP dated 7 April 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Mobile Black Spot Program. 

The Auditor-General responded on 30 April 2019 to correspondence from Ms Cathy McGowan AO, MP dated 8 April 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the politicisation of taxpayer funded grant announcements (Community Sport Infrastructure grants program). 

The Auditor-General responded on 10 May 2018 to correspondence from Senators Patrick, Griff, Hanson-Young and Bernardi, Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP and the Hon. Tony Burke MP dated 24 April 2018, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the purchases of water for environmental flows in the Murray-Darling Basin. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response on 29 April 2019. 

The Auditor-General responded on 29 April 2019 to correspondence from the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon David Littleproud MP, dated 23 April 2019, requesting that the audit of purchases of environmental water by the Commonwealth, and on behalf of the Commonwealth, currently listed as a potential audit be brought forward and expanded. 

The Auditor-General responded on 26 April 2019 to correspondence from Dr Kerryn Phelps AM, MP and co-signatories dated 10 April 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine campaign advertising. 

The Auditor-General has responded to correspondence received from Senator Griff dated 11 April 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General provide as much detail as possible regarding the negotiation and awarding of contracts in the audit of the procurement of garrison support and welfare services.

The Auditor-General responded on 18 March 2019 to correspondence from the Hon. Shayne Neumann MP dated 19 February 2019 and 14 March 2019.  The Auditor-General further responded on 1 April 2019. The correspondence from Mr Neumann requested that the Auditor-General conduct an audit into the circumstances surrounding the Department of Home Affairs' procurement of garrison support and welfare services in Papua New Guinea. 

The Auditor-General responded on 29 March 2019 to the follow-up correspondence from the Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP dated 26 March 2019. Mr Dreyfus requested that the Auditor-General extend his investigation to look at the conduct of a range of parties in relation to the announcement of grants. This is in addition to the request to investigate the conduct of a range of parties in relation to the announcement of the grant to the Yankalilla Bowling Club, which was the subject of the original correspondence dated 24 February 2019. 

The Auditor-General responded on 29 March 2019 to correspondence from Ms Cathy McGowan AO MP dated 5 March 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General investigate the conduct of a range of parties in relation to the announcement of grants under Round 3, Building Better Regions Fund. 

The Auditor-General responded on 20 April 2018 to correspondence from Mr Stephen Jones MP dated 26 March 2018, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the awarding of a grant under the Regional Jobs and Investment Package program in Tropical North Queensland. The Acting Auditor-General followed-up on 23 January 2019 to advise Mr Jones that an audit of the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages has now commenced.

The Auditor-General responded on 20 April 2018 to correspondence from the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly MP dated 6 April 2018, requesting an audit of the administration of the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages (RJIP) program, specifically as it relates to the allocation of grant funding between electorates. The Acting Auditor-General followed-up on 23 January 2019 to advise Dr Kelly that an audit of the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages has now commenced.