Chapter 1 Introduction

Background to the review

1.1                   The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has a statutory duty to examine all reports of the Auditor-General that are presented to the Australian Parliament, and report the results of its deliberations to both Houses of Parliament. In selecting audit reports for review, the Committee considers:

n  the significance of the program or issues raised in audit reports;

n  the significance of the audit findings;

n  the arguments advanced by the audited agencies; and

n  the public interest of the report.

1.2                   Upon consideration of the nine audit reports presented to Parliament by the Auditor-General between February and May 2012, the Committee selected two reports for further scrutiny at public hearings.

1.3                   The audit reports reviewed by the JCPAA are listed below:

n  Audit Report No.29 2011–12, Administration of the Australia Network Tender Process

n  Audit Report No.31 2011–12, Establishment and Use of Procurement Panels

1.4                   The public hearings for the reports were held on:

n  20 June 2012 (Audit Report No.31)

n  27 June 2012 (Audit Reports No.29 and No.31)

1.5                   A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearings is at Appendix A.

The Committee’s report

1.6                   This report of the Committee’s examination draws attention to the main issues raised at the respective public hearings. Where appropriate, the Committee has commented on unresolved or contentious issues, and has made recommendations.

1.7                   The Committee’s report is structured as follows:

n  Chapter 2 - Audit Report No.29 2011–12, Administration of the Australia Network Tender Process

n  Chapter 3 - Audit Report No.31 2011–12, Establishment and Use of Procurement Panels

1.8                   The following appendices provide additional information:

n  Appendix A - List of public hearings and witnesses

n  Appendix B - List of submissions

n  Appendix C - Decision-making arrangements for the Australia Network tender process

1.9                   A copy of this report, transcripts of hearings and submissions are available on the Committee’s website: www.aph.gov.au/jcpaa.