The audit assessed DITR's and the ATO's administration of the R&D Tax Concession including review processes for registration and subsequent expenditure claims, by eligible companies. In particular, the audit focussed on measuring performance, risk management, and information systems including security and data integrity.

Aviation traffic data plays an important role in informing decisions about the safety of the airways system, including such matters as the need for navigation facilities, communication links, air traffic control towers and rescue/fire fighting services. The objective of the limited scope audit was to examine the accuracy of the data on air traffic movements collected by Airservices Australia.

The objective of the audit was to form an opinion on the administrative effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of the Department of Health and Aged Care's delivery of health services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

Mr Ian McPhee, PSM - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the Department of Parliamentary Services

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented an address to SES Officers in the Australian Customs Service, Canberra

The audit reviewed fraud control arrangements in the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The objective of this audit was to establish whether the Department had developed a sound fraud control framework by examining the arrangements for: · policy and planning; · performance assessment; · quality assurance; and · training and awareness raising.

The objective of this audit was to assess the systems put in place by Centrelink to protect data privacy. The audit reviewed the adequacy of the policies, procedures and the administrative framework associated with data privacy, and the computer systems that are used to store and disseminate data. The ANAO also examined compliance with legislative requirements.

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

The audit objective was to determine the DVA's performance in the economy, efficiency and administrative effectiveness of the delivery of income support payments to veterans and war widows. It was found that overall, DVA is paying the correct pension to the correct people in a timely fashion within the required accuracy levels.

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

The objective of the audit was to determine the extent to which the new Commonwealth services delivery arrangements were implemented efficiently and effectively. The audit focussed on the establishment of Centrelink to deliver services on behalf of purchaser departments and the development of associated purchaser/provider arrangements.

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

The overall objective of this audit was to assess the management of the physical protection of Australian missions and staff overseas. The high-level criteria for the audit are set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

Mr Mr Ian McPhee - Auditor-General for Australia, presentation to the Global Working Group of Auditors-General

The audit reviewed the Australian Taxation Office's fraud prevention and contol arrangements in relation to the Goods and Services Tax. The audit objective was to assess whether the ATO has implemented administratively effective GST fraud control arrangements, consistent with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines.

The objective of the audit was to assess the extent to which agencies have arrangements to establish and use multi-use lists to support value for money, efficiency and effectiveness in procurement.

The objective of the audit was to assess the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of data management by government agencies. The audit focused mainly on data collected by departments and agencies from non-departmental organisations and institutions.

The objective of this audit was to examine the efficiency and administrative effectiveness of processes the Australian Customs Service uses to screen incoming and outgoing mail. It also considers the involvement of other stakeholders such as Australia Post and Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.

The objective of this audit was to assess whether DFAT had effective processes for issuing passports in Australia. In particular, the audit focussed on whether DFAT had effective strategies for managing passport services; provided quality client service; and had effective and secure processes for passport issue to entitled persons.

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented at a Seminar for ANAO staff on Working with Parliamentary Committees. Parliamentary Education Office. The Commonwealth Parliament. Canberra

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented at the 25th National Conference of Association of Risk and Insurance Managers of Australasia Limited

The sale of leases for the 14 Phase 2 Federal airports was completed by 30 June 1998, in accordance with the Government's timetable. This represented a significant achievement given that it constituted the largest completed airport trade sales program in the world to that date and achieved the Government's sales objectives.

Mr Ian McPhee - Auditor-General for Australia, presented at the National Archives of Australia Seminar, Parliament House, Canberra

The audit reviewed collection management practices and management information systems of the National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. The objective of the audit was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the management processes employed in safeguarding national collections.

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

The audit examined the efficiency and effectiveness of DEWRSBs administrative arrangements for the Work for the Dole Programme. The audit focused on the Community Work Coordinator tender assessment process, selection of projects, contract management arrangements and the mechanisms used for measuring the performance of the Programme against its objectives.

Robust internal budgeting processes are an essential part of effective financial management and are critical in the successful implementation of the accrual-based, outputs and outcomes framework. Effective internal budgeting should be closely intergrated with business planning processes and require a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving input from throughout the organisation.

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 ANAO Graduates - Graduate Recall Day

The objective of this performance audit was to assess the effectiveness and consistency of risk management processes undertaken by the Australian Taxation Office in administering individual taxpayer refunds.