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.

Mr P.J. Barrett (AM) - Auditor-General for Australia, presented to the Lunchtime Seminar Series for Senior Officers, Sydney, NSW

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.

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 the audit was to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the administrative arrangements for the establishment and operation of the Green Corps program. Green Corps is a voluntary program for young Australians between 17 and 20 years old to receive accredited training in a range of skills such as bush regeneration and habitat protection. The program is delivered through a contractual arrangement. It was introduced in 1996 with a program allocation of $41.7 million over three years. The focus of the audit was on the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affair's administration of the program, including the management of the contract.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) uses information technology (IT) extensively in providing services to Australia's veteran and defence force communities. The audit reviewed DVA's management of its IT outsourcing contract. The audit considered DVA's planning to meet its strategic IT needs through the IT outsourcing contract, the provisions of the contract, contract administration, management of the impacts of the outsourced services on DVA's business and the outcomes of DVA's approach to the contract.

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 audit reviewed the coordination of export development and promotion activities across Commonwealth agencies. The objective of the audit was to assess the extent to which export development and promotion activities are managed in a coordinated manner to maximise their effectiveness and transparency, and to minimise duplication. Particular attention was given to:

• Austrade's role in coordinating and advising on the development of export programs across Commonwealth agencies; and
• the design, delivery and evaluation of programs consistent with the Mortimer review design criteria agreed by Government.

The audit assessed the effectiveness of the governance framework for the management of the transition from the existing red meat industry structures to new structures which increased industry's role in self determination and self regulation and minimised the involvement of Government. Matters considered included the effectiveness of:

• planning for the implementation of the new arrangements;
• management of the risks associated with the implementation of the new arrangements;
• management structures used in the transition arrangements; and
• accountability arrangements for ongoing Commonwealth involvement.

The objective of the follow-up audit was to review the effectiveness of the DETYA International Services (DIS) cost recovery operational model. The initial audit of DIS was undertaken in 1997-98 (Audit Report No.35).