The audit reviewed Defence's higher-level management of its knowledge system equipment acquisition projects. These amount to $8.5b. The focus of the audit was on the opportunities for Defence to adopt a much more coherent and integrated approach to knowledge systems management prospectively rather than on emphasising current system compatibility issues.

The audit examined the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd's management of the residential aged care accreditation process. The audit focused on the Agency's implementation of a process to meet its legislative responsibilities, its business operations, people management, budgeting practices, use of information, and its quality assurance processes.

The sale raised gross proceeds of $95.4 million, which was at the upper end of the Business Advisor's estimate for the mid-1997 sale. In addition, it should be noted that the principal financial effect for the Commonwealth was not in the proceeds of the sale but in the termination of ongoing revenue supplements and financial losses. The Commonwealth's direct costs of selling the businesses are estimated to be $9.3 million, or 9.7% of gross proceeds. In addition, the Australian National's financial liabilities totalling $1393 million have been or are being repaid or assumed by the Commonwealth.

The objective of the audit was to determine whether Centrelink's planning, monitoring and costing arrangements provide a sound basis to underpin its delivery of quality, cost effective customer services.

Mr Ian McPhee. Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the Heads of Cultural Organisations Meeting

Mr Ian McPhee, PSM - Auditor-General for Australia, address for the ANAO's 110th Birthday Celebration, National Press Club, Canberra

Mr Ian McPhee - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the Defence Senior Leadership Group, Financial Management Course, Canberra

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented at the Institute of Internal Auditors National Annual General Meeting Sydney, 18 May 1999

Mr Ian McPhee - Deputy Auditor-General, presented at the National Institute for Governance, University of Canberra

Mr Ian McPhee, PSM - Auditor?General for Australia, presented at the IPAA National Conference, Hobart