The Economic Security Strategy (ESS) campaign is intended to inform the community of aspects of the Australian Government's response to the global financial crisis. This campaign is designed to raise awareness of the financial assistance, in the form of lump sum payments, including access and eligibility requirements. Phase One is targeted at over five million pensioners, carers, seniors, people with a disability, veterans and families.

The objectives of this information report are to provide transparency of, and insights on, government grants expense and Commonwealth entities’ self-reporting of grants on GrantConnect.

This edition of audit insights covers audit reports tabled in Parliament during the fourth quarter of 2017–18 with a focus on the key learnings relating to cyber resilience. Cyber security is an increasing risk across government and one that requires attention by Accountable Authorities.

The objective of this audit was to assess how effectively the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) administers the science and technology work it undertakes for the Australian Defence Organisation.

The Auditor-General responded on 16 June 2021 to correspondence from Senator Malcolm Roberts dated 19 May 2021, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the administration of Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements programs and funding. 

The audit objective was to review the effectiveness of the Department of Defence’s (Defence) arrangements for delivering selected non-platform sustainment.

The Auditor-General responded on 29 March 2019 to the follow-up correspondence from the Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP dated 26 March 2019. Mr Dreyfus requested that the Auditor-General extend his investigation to look at the conduct of a range of parties in relation to the announcement of grants. This is in addition to the request to investigate the conduct of a range of parties in relation to the announcement of the grant to the Yankalilla Bowling Club, which was the subject of the original correspondence dated 24 February 2019. 

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS’s) and Services Australia’s management of the accuracy and timeliness of welfare payments.

The objective of this information report is to provide transparency and insights on the governing boards of Commonwealth entities and companies and the membership of these boards.

The Auditor-General is responsible for managing the ANAO within the arrangements of the broader Australian Public Service. These obligations are met by being transparent and reporting on the ANAO activities and operations.