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 objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of, and to identify possible areas for improvement in, Defence management of the general service fleet.

The audit reviewed the sales of DASFLEET, Works Australia and DAS Interiors Australia. Separate audit reports have been produced for each of the sales. This report focuses on the management of the overall sale processes for all business units.

This report is the aggregate financial statement for the Commonwealth prepared by the Minister for Finance.

The ANAO's objectives in auditing the sale were to:

• review the extent to which the Government's objectives for the sale were achieved;
• review the management of the sale process; and
• to assess ongoing Commonwealth exposures and responsibilities.

The audit examined the review of decisions on veterans' disability compensation. The audit objective was to examine the management of internal review by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and external review by the Veterans' Review Board (VRB) of decisions by the Repatriation Commission on veterans' claims for disability compensation.

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the Australasian Council of Auditors-General Conference, Melbourne

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

The audit examined some key aspects of HRD in relation to Centrelink's Customer Service Officers (CSOs). The objective of the audit was to determine whether Centrelink had appropriate systems and strategies in place to ensure that its CSOs had access to the skills and knowledge necessary to meet expected levels of performance and customer service.

As part of the Government's Taxation Reform Initiatives, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) was given responsibility for implementing the Australian Business Number (ABN) and Australian Business Register (ABR) initiatives. The objective of the audit was to assess the administrative effectiveness of the ABN registration process and the ATO's implementation and management of the ABR.

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the Corporate Management Network Meeting, Rydges Lakeside, Canberra

Mr Ian McPhee - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the CPA Australia

The audit reviewed the sale of Works Australia, a business unit of the Department of Administrative Services, which provided project, architectural and engineering design and documentation services to the Commonwealth and State Governments and private enterprise. The objectives of the audit were to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the sale.

In the light of the concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition and some other Members of Parliament about the allocation of financial assistance approved under the NHT, it was decided to undertake preliminary inquiries. The inquiries focussed on the transparency and rigour of the decision-making process for projects approved for NHT funding.

The objectives of the audit were to provide assurance to Parliament concerning the adequacy of Commonwealth security planning and preparations for the Games and to identify areas for improvement early enough for any corrective action to be taken.

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented at the opening Presentation to Workshop on ANAO Year 2000 Discussion Paper

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented at the Comcover Federal Risk Manager (journal) Issue No 1 September 1999

Mr Ian McPhee, PSM - Auditor?General for Australia, Speaking Notes for the IPAA (ACT) Forum, Canberra

The ANAO is committed to promoting and supporting social inclusion, access and equity. We seek to achieve this by actively building a working environment that supports and encourages employees with a range of skills and life experiences, different cultural and social backgrounds. Delivery of the ANAO’s outcome is supported by our commitment to achieving multicultural access and equity.

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the National Institute of Governance, University of Canberra

Mr Ian McPhee - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the Global Working Group 10th Annual Meeting, Norway

The audit examined whether training services purchased by the Department for labour market programs provided value for money.

The objectives of the audit were to assess how well agencies are managing their assets to produce better outcomes and to identify or develop better practice in asset management.

Mr Ian McPhee - Deputy Auditor-General, presented to the Department of Finance