Performance audit outcomes by theme
Each performance audit is summarised by theme in Appendix 4. A broad outline of the range of issues addressed under each theme is set out below.
Governance
The broad area of governance continues to be a major focus for performance audit reports. Twenty five audits across a wide spectrum of subjects were carried out under this theme in 2006–07, including: the implementation of legislation such as the Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997; the regulation of pesticides and veterinary medicines; Australian Federal Police overseas operations; and the management of a number of common administrative activities or functions such as the outcomes and output framework, recordkeeping and issues surrounding intellectual property.
Administration of border security
Security of Australia’s extensive border is a responsibility that involves a considerable number of functions and activities across a number of Australian Government entities. In recognition of the increasing importance of these functions, in 2006–07 we carried out three key audits under this theme including: the Customs’ Cargo Management Re-engineering Project; visa management for working holiday makers; and the administration of the health requirement of the Migration Act 1958.
Project management
Project management is an integral element of the delivery of many Australian Government programs and involves the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to a range of activities to meet specified project requirements and outcomes. Six performance audits were carried out under this theme in 2006–07 with a strong emphasis on Defence project management. We also carried out a major review of project management in Centrelink.
Service delivery
An ongoing objective for a number of Australian government entities is to provide a diverse range of high quality and cost effective services that meet the ever-increasing expectations of the Parliament, governments and the community. In the eight performance audits carried out under this theme, we reviewed a range of subjects including quarantine inspection; the Work for the Dole programme and the Australian Taxation Office’s management of its relationship with tax practitioners.
Grants administration
Many Australian government entities administer significant grants programme funding to a wide variety of public and private sector recipients and their effective management represents an important service to the community. Eight audits were carried under this theme, once again over a wide range of activities including: the National Black Spot Programme; contractual arrangements to deliver the National Food Industry Strategy; the administration of the Native Title Respondents Scheme; and the administration of the Community Aged Care Packages programme.