AUDITOR-GENERAL TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT REVIEW AND OVERSIGHT OF PUBLIC SECTOR
Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
The Tasmanian Greens today said they are confident that the State Service amendments will still ensure appropriate and rigorous independent oversight of actions of the government of the day, with the allocation of that specific responsibility to the Auditor-General.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that he had personally consulted with the Auditor-General, Mike Blake, over the new oversight and review provisions, and was satisfied that the amendment reflects Mr Blake’s advice submitted during the Bill’s drafting process.
Mr McKim also thanked the Premier for being open to amending the Bill to add an additional check in the form of legislating that a review be conducted on the new oversight provisions.
“After personally speaking with Mr Blake, the Greens received an assurance that the wording of the oversight provisions reflect his formal advice, and are consistent with other legislative provisions which apply to the Auditor-General,” Mr McKim said.
“Independent review and oversight of both the public sector and its responsible Minister are fundamental to our Westminster system, and the Greens would not support anything which erodes that accountability.”
“The Auditor-General is an independent Statutory Officer and this role specialises in oversight of government.”
“The concerns raised do not query whether the Auditor-General is the appropriate oversight body, but rather focus on whether the changes will require him to conduct an annual review of the responsible Minister.”
“While we are reassured by our discussions with the Auditor General’s, we acknowledge that some people remain concerned. That is why we proposed that a legislated review of these new oversight changes be inserted into the Bill, which must occur within three years, to double-check that the Auditor General’s role is providing the necessary independent oversight as intended.”
“We thank the Premier for amending the Bill to include this suggestion which provides an additional layer of scrutiny and review.”
“Further Mr Blake intends, should the Bill pass, to conduct reviews at least annually, and will work with public sector unions to develop a mechanism to facilitate identification of any matters which may require review or investigation.”
“The Greens therefore are confident that the changes will see the responsibility of independent oversight of the responsible Minister’s actions clearly assigned to the independent statutory office of the Auditor General, and that he is empowered to investigate or review what he considers necessary, as frequently as he considers necessary.”
Mr McKim also noted that a reference group was established following the George O’Farrell review into the governance and structural arrangements of the State Service, which included public sector union representatives, to develop identified legislative amendments.
“The Greens understand that the majority of the amendment Bill debated today is considered uncontentious by those reference group participants, and the main area of concern has arisen from confusion over best practice when it comes to prescribing an independent Statutory Officer’s function.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
