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.

The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) manages Australia's relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and various development banks, including those belonging to the World Bank Group. The audit examined Treasury's management of these obligations. In view of the size of Australia's investments and obligations, the audit focussed on financial management issues.

The objective of this audit was to assess whether the strengthened two–pass approval process for major capital equipment projects is being implemented effectively.

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.

The audit examined the administrative processes that the department has in place to support the administration of RAP. The objective of the audit was to determine whether funding was being allocated in accordance with the RAP policy guidelines and whether the department was managing RAP contracts to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved

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, Closing Address for the Institute of Chartered Accountants

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

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

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented at the Joint Launch by the ANAO, the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism and the Management Advisory Board

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

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 audit reviewed Defence's management of the Test and Evaluation (T&E) aspects of its capital equipment acquisition program. The audit sought to identify, from Defence T&E practice, any barriers that might limit the efficiency and effectiveness of its T&E activities.

The audit objective was to form an opinion on the Department of Veterans' Affairs administration of its activities to maintain and enhance the health and independence of veterans and war widows in their homes and in the community.

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

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.

The objectives of the audit were to:

• review the implementation arrangements in relation to the transfer of the delivery of AUSTUDY to Centrelink and its subsequent inclusion as part of the Youth Allowance; and
• to form an opinion on the efficiency and effectiveness of the front-end processing aspects of AUSTUDY applications.

The audit reviewed the sale of DASFLEET, a business unit of the Department of Administrative Services, which provided passenger and general commercial vehicle leasing, rental and fleet management and maintenance services. The objectives of the audit were to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the sale.

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

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

The Government introduced the Defence Reform Program (DRP) in 1997 to enable Defence's resources to be focused more efficiently and effectively on its core functions. The objective of the audit was to assess Defence's management and implementation of DRP and the extent to which it achieved savings for reinvestment in the operational capabilities of the ADF.

The objective of this audit was to ascertain whether Defence performance management strategies and practices contribute to the effective and efficient management of the supply chain. In particular, it focussed on examining the extent to which the latter demonstrate identified world-class practices.

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 Defence Senior Leadership Group, Financial Management Course, Canberra

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.

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

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

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.

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 audit reviewed the retention of military personnel that are managed by the Australian Defence Force which comprises the three Services. The objective of the audit was to review the management of personnel retention within the ADF with a view to evaluating the measures Defence has in place to monitor and control the flow of trained personnel from the Services