‘A watchdog without resources is not a watchdog’: Labor accused of letting key accountability body languish
Summary
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), a key government watchdog, is receiving only a small funding increase in the recent budget, which may not be enough to meet its audit work goals. Critics, including transparency advocates and Senator David Pocock, warn that without proper funding, the ANAO cannot fully oversee government spending and projects.Key Facts
- The ANAO received $99.8 million in new annual funding, a slight increase from $98.2 million and below inflation.
- The ANAO’s staff is expected to decrease from 435 people in 2025-26 to 421 in 2026-27.
- The ANAO has run budget deficits for eight years and recorded a $5.3 million loss in 2024-25.
- Because of funding problems, the ANAO lowered its audit report targets from 48 to between 38 and 42 reports.
- The ANAO may stop producing the Major Projects Report, which monitors costly government defense projects.
- Senator David Pocock says a well-funded ANAO helps find government waste and supports accountability.
- Transparency experts suggest the ANAO should have independent funding and stronger protections to avoid political pressure.
- The budget also included a small increase for the Commonwealth Ombudsman with $6.2 million over four years.
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