The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced two inquiries into important areas of public sector accountability as part of its examination of Auditor-General’s reports.

Media release issue date: Monday, 6 September 2021

The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced two inquiries into important areas of public sector accountability as part of its examination of Auditor-General’s reports. The Auditor-General's reports on the implementation of COVID-19 measures (Auditor-General’s reports 20, 22-24 & 39 (2020-21) examine administrative measures undertaken by the Commonwealth in managing the COVID-19 response. The Auditor-General's reports 14, 26, 28 & 47 (2020-21) look at the use of Commonwealth funds to achieve policy objectives and whether that expenditure is effective and efficient in achieving policy outcomes in line with good governance. Committee Chair Ms Lucy Wicks MP noted that the examination of the Government’s COVID response was an important opportunity for Parliament to review the success of the Commonwealth’s administrative arrangements in the face of the COVID emergency. The inquiry into Commonwealth investments to achieve policy outcomes will examine a broad range of issues and identify key lessons for future funding programs and initiatives. The Committee invites submissions to the inquiries which address the terms of reference by Friday, 8 October 2021. Public hearings for these inquiries will be held in October and November 2021. Media inquiries Ms Lucy Wicks MP, Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit on (02) 4322 2400 (Electorate Office). For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4615 jcpaa@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.