The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the administration of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's (CSIRO's) Gift to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.

The Auditor-General responded on 27 November 2018 to correspondence from Senator Hanson-Young dated 26 October 2018, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the use of grant funding from the Connections Project.

The audit objective was to examine the efficiency of the Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions' (CDPP's) case management.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency's administration of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of Defence’s management of the acquisition of medium and heavy vehicles, associated modules and trailers for the Australian Defence Force.

The objective of this audit was to assess whether the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is effectively preparing for the 2021 Census.

The objective of the audit was to examine the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s effectiveness in implementing the Regional Land Partnerships program.

Audit Lessons — Management of Corporate Credit Cards is intended for officials working in financial management or governance roles with responsibility for the management of corporate credit cards.

The objective of the audit was to examine the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s administration of the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement Contractors Voluntary Exit Grants Program.

The Auditor-General responded on 7 June 2021 to correspondence from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young dated 10 May 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the federal government’s spending on offsets for the Western Sydney Airport.

The Auditor-General responded on 14 May 2021 to correspondence from the Hon Julie Collins MP dated 20 April 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct further work identifying strategic risks in grants administration within the Agriculture, Water and the Environment portfolio. 

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the design and management of the National Solar Schools Program (NSSP), including demonstrated progress towards achieving the program's objectives.

The Auditor-General responded on 18 June 2025 to correspondence from Senator David Shoebridge dated 23 May 2025, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct a review of the expenditure and disclosures of the Federal Court. 

The Auditor-General responded on 20 April 2018 to correspondence from the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly MP dated 6 April 2018, requesting an audit of the administration of the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages (RJIP) program, specifically as it relates to the allocation of grant funding between electorates. The Acting Auditor-General followed-up on 23 January 2019 to advise Dr Kelly that an audit of the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages has now commenced.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the governance board in Old Parliament House.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of Defence’s design and implementation of the Base Services contracts.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s administration of health services in onshore immigration detention.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of risk management, data monitoring and public reporting arrangements associated with the Australian Government's funding of public hospital services under the 2011 National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA).

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities had designed and implemented appropriate governance and administration arrangements for the transition and delivery of sustainable reforms to services on Norfolk Island.

The objective of this audit was to assess the department’s design, implementation and monitoring of select 2014–15 and 2015–16 Budget measures aimed at achieving $1.2 billion in savings and other benefits.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the implementation of the government response to the Black Economy Taskforce report.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Taxation Office’s engagement with tax practitioners in achieving efficient and effective taxation and superannuation systems.

The audit examined whether COVID-19 procurements to increase the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) were consistent with the proper use and management of public resources and whether COVID-19 deployments of the NMS were effective.

The audit objective was to assess whether the Department of Homes Affairs has appropriately managed the procurement of garrison support and welfare services for offshore processing centres in Nauru and PNG (Manus Island).

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Social Services' fraud control arrangements.

The objective of the audit was to examine the effectiveness of Centrelink's approach to investigating and responding to external fraud. The ANAO's assessment was based on four key criteria. In particular, the ANAO assessed whether Centrelink:

• had established a management framework, business systems and guidelines, that support the investigation, prosecution and reporting of fraud;
• had implemented appropriate case selection strategies and controls to ensure resources are targeted to the cases of highest priority;
• complied with relevant external and internal requirements when investigating fraud and referring cases for consideration of prosecution; and
• had implemented an effective training program that supports high quality investigations and prosecution referrals.

This annual report documents the performance of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) in the financial year ended 30 June 2025. The report addresses all applicable obligations under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013; the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014; the Auditor-General Act 1997; the performance measures set out in the outcome and programs framework in the ANAO’s Portfolio Budget Statements 2024–25 and in the ANAO Corporate Plan 2024–25; and annual reporting requirements set out in other relevant legislation.

The ANAO was invited to prepare a paper for an international conference on the role of supreme audit Institutions in combatting corruption for the advancement of transparency, public integrity, and good governance. The international conference formed part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the State Audit Office of Viet Nam and was held from 8-12 July 2024,

The objective of the audit was to assess the selected entities’ progress in implementing the corporate planning requirements under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and related PGPA Rule 2014.

This audit assessed corporate plans for the 2016–17 reporting period, and complements the report published in August 2016 which assessed corporate plans for the 2015–16 reporting period.

The previous audit made ten recommendations to improve Centrelink's review and appeals system. Centrelink agreed to all recommendations. The objective of this follow-up audit was to review Centrelink's progress in implementing the recommendations of Audit Report No.35, Centrelink's Review and Appeals System 2004-05.

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the Bureau of Meteorology is effectively managing assets in its observing network.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the management of Machinery of Government (MoG) changes by the selected Australian Government entities.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the (former) Department of Industry’s administration of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

The Auditor-General responded on 6 October 2020 to correspondence from Senator Murray Watt dated 18 September 2020, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the conduct of Senator Pauline Hanson, relevant government ministers — particularly the Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP — and the relevant departments in relation to the announcement of $23 million in Commonwealth Government funding for the Victoria Park stadium in Rockhampton. Senator Watt also requested that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the assessment process of the project undertaken by the relevant government ministers and their departments before awarding the $23 million grant. 

The Auditor-General responded on 26 April 2023 to correspondence from the Hon David Coleman MP dated 29 March 2023 and 12 April 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct a full investigation into the design and administration of Round 6 of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the Department of Industry, Science and Resources has effective arrangements to comply with domestic and international travel requirements.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA’s) implementation of reforms to agvet regulation and the extent to which the authority has achieved operational efficiencies and reduced the cost burden on regulated entities.

The audit objective was to assess the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman's effectiveness in managing complaints.

An Audit Committee Chairs Forum was held on Friday 12 July 2024. The text on this page is the communique from the forum.

The Auditor-General wrote to the Minister for Finance on 21 June 2024 to advise of the outcomes of the 2023–24 annual performance statements audit program, and a proposal for expanding the program of audits in 2024–25 and the following two financial years. The Minister for Finance responded on 2 July 2024 supporting the proposal. The Minister for Finance's full response is provided below.

The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) publishes two reports annually addressing the outcomes of the financial statement audits of Australian government entities and the Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) of the Australian Government to provide Parliament an independent examination of the financial accounting and reporting of public sector entities. This report focuses on the results of the interim audit phase, including an assessment of entities’ key internal controls, of the 2016–17 financial statements audits of 25 entities including all departments of state and a number of major Australian government entities.

The objective of this audit was to examine the effectiveness of the governance arrangements for the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation (SBS).

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the administration of the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme by the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The audit objective was to assess whether the Australian Electoral Commission appropriately established and managed the contracts for the transportation of completed ballot papers and the Senate scanning solution for the 2016 Federal Election.

The audit objective was to assess whether the Department of Immigration and Border Protection adopted sound contract management practices for the delivery of garrison support and welfare services for offshore processing centres in Nauru and Manus Island.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness to date of the Department of Defence’s procurement of six evolved Cape class patrol boats.

This annual report documents the performance of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) in the financial year ended 30 June 2024. The report addresses all applicable obligations under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013; the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014; the Auditor-General Act 1997; the performance measures set out in the outcome and programs framework in the ANAO’s Portfolio Budget Statements 2023–24 and in the ANAO Corporate Plan 2023–24; and annual reporting requirements set out in other relevant legislation.

The objective of the audit was to assess how effectively and efficiently the Australian Taxation Office managed contact centres as part of its overall service delivery.

The audit objective was to examine the effectiveness of Defence’s sustainment arrangements for Navy’s Canberra class fleet of amphibious assault ships (or LHDs).

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Taxation Office's activities to promote employer compliance with Superannuation Guarantee obligations.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Finance and selected entities’ implementation of the Australian Government’s campaign advertising framework.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Public Service Commission's (APSC) administration of statutory functions relating to upholding high standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the award of a $443.3 million grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation was informed by appropriate departmental advice and through processes that complied with the grants administration framework.

The objective of this audit was to examine the effectiveness of the Attorney-General’s Department’s implementation of the recommendations from Auditor-General Report No.27 of 2017–18, Management of the Australian Government’s Register of Lobbyists.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s regulation of unsolicited communications.

The Auditor-General Act 1997 establishes the mandate for the Auditor-General to undertake financial statement audits of all Australian Government entities including those of government agencies, statutory authorities and government business enterprises.

Our interim audits of agencies encompass a review of governance arrangements related to agencies’ financial reporting responsibilities, and an examination of relevant internal controls, including information technology system controls. The ANAO’s examination of these areas is designed to assess the reliance that can be placed on agencies’ internal controls to produce complete and accurate information for financial reporting purposes.

This report focuses on the results of the interim audits, including an assessment of entities’ key internal controls, supporting the 2018–19 financial statements audits. It examines 26 entities, including all departments of state and a number of major Australian government entities. The entities included in the report are selected on the basis of their contribution to the income, expenses, assets and liabilities of the 2017–18 Consolidated Financial Statements of the Australian Government (CFS). Significant and moderate findings arising from the interim audits are reported to the responsible Minister(s), and all findings are reported to those charged with governance of each entity.

Increased transparency and accountability on progress with major Defence equipment acquisitions has been a focus of parliamentary interest for some time. Beginning in 2007–08, an annual program has been established in conjunction with the Department of Defence to enable the ANAO to review and report to the Parliament on the status of major Defence acquisition projects, as set out in the major projects report. The review includes information relating to the cost, schedule and progress towards delivery of required capability of individual projects as at 30 June each year, and is undertaken at the request of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the Department of Health effectively procured services to operate a National Cancer Screening Register.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Education and Training’s design and implementation of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans program.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the governance board in the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness to date of the management of the approach to transition the disability services market to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) market arrangements.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the governance of the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Taxation Office's External Compliance Assurance Process pilot conducted with large business taxpayers.

The Auditor-General responded on 14 January 2020 to correspondence from the Hon Catherine King MP, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine programs supporting regional development and jobs growth. The Auditor-General also responded on 2 April 2020 to follow-up correspondence from the Hon Catherine King MP dated 3 March 2020, alerting the Auditor-General to evidence given in Senate estimates that relates to the original correspondence. The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to the Hon Catherine King MP on 24 July 2020. 

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Home Affairs' fraud control arrangements.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s administration of the IA framework to enable well-informed and transparent Australian Government decision-making.

The objective of this audit was to examine whether the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications exercised appropriate due diligence in its acquisition of the ‘Leppington Triangle’ land for the future development of the Western Sydney Airport.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Clean Energy Regulator’s administration of the Renewable Energy Target scheme. 

The objective of this audit was to examine the effectiveness of the Department of Defence's administration of contractual obligations relating to the Defence Industry Security Program.

The speech delivered by the Acting Deputy Auditor-General and the presentations by ANAO speakers at the Financial and Performance Reporting Forum held on Friday 29 November 2024 are now available.

If you would like a copy of the video recording please contact External.Relations@anao.gov.au

The objective of this audit was to assess the Australian Public Service Commission’s and selected entities’ implementation of the Australian Government’s Workplace Bargaining Framework.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Digital Health Agency’s (ADHA) procurement relating to My Health Record system infrastructure.

This edition of audit insights focuses on quality in the public sector. Quality is an important concept that can be applied to all areas of government business. Quality applied through policy, services, regulations and program design and delivery supports community trust in government. A positive approach to quality, implemented through a quality framework that is embedded into the organisational culture at all levels of a government agency, is essential to meeting community and parliamentary expectations.

The objective of the audit was to examine the effectiveness of the integration of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Human Services’ administration of the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of selected departments’ implementation of deregulation initiatives.

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the procurement by the Department of the Environment and Energy of a replacement Antarctic icebreaking vessel will provide value with public resources.

The audit objective was to re-assess the three entities' compliance with the 'Top Four' mandatory strategies in the Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM). The audit also aims to examine the typical challenges faced by entities to achieve and maintain their desired ICT security posture.

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) had complied with gifts, benefits and hospitality requirements.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of Australian Financial Security Authority’s (AFSA) management of conflicts of interest.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the management of community intelligence by the Tax Office.

The Auditor-General undertook a limited assurance review of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ assessment of the performance of New South Wales under the National Partnership Agreement on Implementing Water Reform in the Murray-Darling Basin relevant to the protection and use of environmental water for the 2014–15 and 2015–16 financial years.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's fraud control arrangements.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s design and implementation of the first funding round of the Bridges Renewal Programme.

The objective of the audit was to examine whether strategic water procurements by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment were conducted consistent with government policy, were supported by appropriate program design, were planned and executed appropriately, and achieved value for money.

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has effectively managed risks related to the rapid implementation of COVID-19 economic response measures.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Health and Aged Care’s (DHAC) performance management of the Primary Health Network program.

The audit’s objective was to assess the effectiveness of the selection, contracting and ongoing management of investments by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and the extent to which the CEFC is meeting its legislated objective.

The audit objective was to examine the appropriateness of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts’ approach to acquiring, managing, and leasing Australian contemporary art in the Artbank collection.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the implementation of procurement reforms by the DTA and Finance following on from Auditor-General Report No.5 2022–23 Digital Transformation Agency’s Procurement of ICT-related services.

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the design and early implementation of the Australian Government’s response to Recommendation 86 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has been effective.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the design and establishment of the Regional Investment Corporation.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Taxation Office’s administration of capital gains tax for individual and small business taxpayers.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian National University’s governance and control framework.

The objective of the audit was to examine the effectiveness of the Department of Defence’s arrangements for the management of contractors.

This edition of Audit Insights considers the approaches entities are taking to implement parliamentary and ANAO recommendations to improve public administration practices and outcomes. It updates and replaces the edition published in November 2019 and draws on audit reports released since then.

Parliamentary committee inquiries and ANAO performance audits identify risks to the successful delivery of outcomes and generally provide recommendations to address them. Tabling an agreed response to a parliamentary committee recommendation formalises government or entity commitment to the Parliament to implement the agreed action. Similarly, ANAO performance audit reports are prepared for presentation to Parliament and agreement to implement a recommendation made in an ANAO report is therefore a commitment to the Parliament.

Grant Hehir, Auditor-General for Australia, presented at the Australian National Centre for Audit & Assurance Research (ANCAAR) 15th ANCAAR Audit Research Forum on 1 December 2017.

The Auditor-General responded on 14 December 2016, and followed-up on 19 July 2017, to correspondence from Senator Kakoschke-Moore on 14 November 2016 requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an audit of the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA).

The audit objective was to assess selected entities’ compliance with the four mandatory ICT security strategies in the Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM).

The objective of this audit was to examine the design and conduct of the award of funding under the Community Development Grants Program (CDGP).

The Auditor-General received correspondence from Senator the Hon Don Farrell dated 7 November 2022, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the Parliamentary Expenses Management System project.

The Auditor-General met with Senator the Hon Don Farrell on 24 November 2022 to discuss the concerns raised in the request for audit. The request is being considered in the development of the ANAO 2022–23 Annual Audit Work Program.

The Auditor-General provided a follow-up response to Senator the Hon Don Farrell on 14 April 2023.

The acting Auditor-General responded on 14 August 2024 to correspondence from Senator David Shoebridge dated 26 July 2024, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to the use of public funds allocated towards the OneSchool Global schools.

The objective of this audit was to examine the efficiency of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) in detecting, investigating and preventing corrupt conduct.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Human Services' administration of the Financial Information Service.

The objective of this audit was to examine the effectiveness of the Australian Federal Police’s, the Australian Financial Security Authority’s and the Attorney-General’s Department’s administration of property and funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Health's design, implementation and administration of primary healthcare under the Indigenous Australians' Health Program (IAHP).

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s administration of the Biometric Identification Service project.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s management of Commonwealth fisheries.

The audit objective was to assess the Department of Social Services and the Department of Human Services’ administration of Disability Support Pension eligibility and review processes.

The objective of the audit was to examine whether the design and early delivery of the Australian Government's $443.3 million partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation has been effective.

Increased transparency and accountability on progress with major Defence equipment acquisitions has been a focus of parliamentary interest for some time. Beginning in 2007–08, an annual program has been established in conjunction with the Department of Defence to enable the ANAO to review and report to the Parliament on the status of major Defence acquisition projects, as set out in the major projects report. The review includes information relating to the cost, schedule and progress towards delivery of required capability of individual projects at 30 June each year, and is undertaken at the request of JCPAA.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Clean Energy Regulator’s (CER) issuing, compliance and contracting activities related to Australian Carbon Credit Units.

The objective of the audit was to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Australian Electoral Commission’s implementation of those recommendations made in Report No. 28 2009–10 relating to:

• a more strategic approach to election workforce planning;
• the suitability and accessibility of polling booths and fresh scrutiny premises; and
• the transport and storage of completed ballot papers, in respect to matters not fully addressed in ANAO Audit Report No.31 2013–14.

The policy for responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in government in government includes mandatory requirements to nominate accountable officials and publish AI transparency statements. This statement provides details of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) implementation of these policy requirements.

The ANAO conducted separate audits of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) Children and Schooling program and the Safety and Wellbeing program, the findings and conclusions of which are presented in this report. The objective of the audits was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s and the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s administration of the IAS Children and Schooling and the Safety and Wellbeing programs.

The objectives of the audit were to assess:

• whether FaCSIA has effectively administered the distribution of funding for the Local Answers, VSEG, Reconnect and Minor Capital Upgrade programmes, including promoting the relevant schemes to potential applicants, developing application forms, handling and appraising applications, selecting recipients and making grant announcements;
• the pattern of approvals of grants to States/Territories and to electorates held by the Government and Opposition parties under the Local Answers and VSEG programmes; and
• whether FaCSIA administered eight one-off grants to community organisations provided as a result of Government commitments during the 2004 Federal Election campaign in line with relevant legislation and guidelines.

This edition of Audit Insights summarises key messages from a series of ANAO performance audits assessing performance evaluation frameworks and success measures. It discusses the importance of both in keeping entities accountable and their performance transparent.

The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) must comply with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) when procuring goods and services. The CPRs govern how ANAO procures goods and services and are designed to ensure the ANAO and taxpayers obtain value for money.

The Auditor-General responded on 20 December 2023 to correspondence from Ms Zali Steggall MP dated 15 December 2023, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct a review of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, administered by the Attorney-General’s Department.