Australian National Audit Office
ANAO
Summary
The Auditor-General is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, to a single non-renewable 10-year term. The ANAO conducts financial statements audits and performance audits of Commonwealth entities, statutory authorities, and companies in which the Commonwealth has a controlling interest. The Auditor-General reports to the Parliament and cannot be removed before the end of the term except for cause on address of both Houses. Budget is appropriated by Parliament as a legislative line item, insulating the office from executive pressure. The ANAO has full access to records but does not hold subpoena or compel-testimony powers; cooperation by agencies is required under the Act.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 10 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Auditor-General Act 1997 (No. 151, 1997)
- Citation
- No. 151, 1997
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Commonwealth departments, agencies, statutory authorities, Commonwealth-controlled companies, and entities receiving Commonwealth grants; performance and financial statement audits