DPS operations are subject to scrutiny from a number of sources, including the ANAO, judicial decisions, decisions of administrative tribunals and various parliamentary committees. This section reports on inquiries, audits, reviews and legal actions relevant to DPS in 2018–19.

Reports by the Australian National Audit Office

In 2018–19, the ANAO tabled one report in parliament in relation to financial statement audits involving the department:

• Report No. 19, 2018–19: Audits of the Financial Statements of Australian Government Entities for the Period Ended 30 June 2018, tabled 17 December 2018, and
• Report No. 46, 2018–19: Interim Report on Key Financial Controls of Major Entities, tabled 13 June 2019.

Parliamentary Committees

Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee

DPS appeared before Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee Estimates hearings on 22 October 2018, 18 February 2019 and 8 April 2019. During 2018–19 the department responded to 139 questions on notice.

Judicial decisions, decisions of Administrative Tribunals

During 2018–19, there were no judicial or administrative tribunal decisions relating to DPS.

Freedom of Information (FOI)

DPS is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) and therefore does not have an Information Publication Scheme.

Office of the Merit Protection Commissioner

During 2018–19, there were two applications for review made to the Office of the Merit Protection Commissioner.

Fair Work Ombudsman

During 2018–19, there was one matter referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman for review and resolution was achieved prior to conciliation.

Fair Work Commission

During 2018–19, there were no applications lodged by a DPS employee in the Fair Work Commission for review.