29 May 2026

Dr Caralee McLiesh PSM
Auditor-General
Australian National Audit Office
GPO Box 707
CANBERRA ACT 2601

By email: ag1@anao.gov.au

Dear Dr McLiesh

I am writing to request that the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) undertake an audit of the Albanese Labor Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP).

Since my colleague Senator Dean Smith wrote to you on 9 February 2026 concerning the CHBP, further revelations have come to light.

As you may be aware, approved expenditure for the CHBP has soared from its original funding envelope of $2.3 billion to $8.5 billion over the life of the program, a significant increase confirmed by departmental officials at Budget Estimates on 26 May 2026.

It has also been revealed that the Regulations governing the CHBP were changed earlier this year to allow for the Clean Energy Regulator (the Regulator) to effectively finance the Program. I am concerned that this arrangement could constitute a conflict of interest given the Regulator also administers the CHBP.

In addition, the Regulator’s latest battery inspection results report found that more than 63 per cent of inspected batteries were installed to a “substandard” level of quality. Concerningly, the Regulator has not carried out safety inspections in Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

Clearly, there are multiple, overlapping implementation and operational issues which are affecting the CHBP and I request that these issues be considered carefully when you are considering the ANAO’s 2026-27 Annual Audit Work Program.

Your sincerely

Dan Tehan