SENATOR KATY GALLAGHER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FINANCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
 
JULIAN HILL MP
DEPUTY CHAIR OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT
MEMBER FOR BRUCE

Labor has written to the Australian Auditor-General to request that the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) instigate an audit program to scrutinise government spending in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In the last three weeks alone, the Government has announced just over $200 billion in direct financial support, designed to support workers and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
Labor has consistently said that we will be constructive, responsible and supportive of the economic responses the government has announced in response to the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
 
The priority of course must be to get help to those who need it quickly. However, it’s also important to ensure that such eye-watering sums of taxpayer money are spent as efficiently and effectively as possible. 
 
Due to the unprecedented amount of taxpayer funds being spent over the next 12 months, and with the extra ministerial powers to change government payments which could lead overnight to billions more in spending without Parliamentary approval, Labor believes that appropriate scrutiny by the ANAO is needed to ensure the highest levels of accountability and good governance are met.
 
Such scrutiny is particularly crucial at a time when the Parliament is sitting less regularly due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
 
A comprehensive audit program by the Auditor-General can improve public confidence, transparency and help the Australian Public Service in efficiently and effectively delivering stimulus and support.
 
Labor calls on the government back this request.

THURSDAY 2 APRIL, 2020.