The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has commenced an inquiry into the administration of Commonwealth regulations.

Media release issue date: Friday, 5 July 2024

The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has commenced an inquiry into the administration of Commonwealth regulations. The Chair of the JCPAA, Mr Julian Hill MP, said that “compliance with Commonwealth regulations is critical to achieving policy outcomes. Numerous Commonwealth agencies have to police regulatory compliance with limited resources, hence proper evidence-based risk-based activities are essential to focus limited resources.” Mr Hill further commented that “this inquiry will examine how agencies assess compliance risk, inform compliance and enforcement strategies, and identify and address incidences of non-compliance with Commonwealth rules and regulations. The Parliament provides regulatory power to agencies, and we will assess the extent to which full and appropriate use is being made of these powers.” The inquiry will have particular regard to any matters contained in or connected to the following Auditor-General Reports: Auditor-General Report No.3 of 2023–24 Management of Non-Compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 for Unapproved Therapeutic Goods Auditor-General Report No.5 of 2023–24 Trade Measurement Compliance Activities Auditor-General Report No.8 of 2023–24 Design and Early Implementation of Residential Aged Care Reforms Auditor-General Report No. 15 of 2023–24 Australian Taxation Office’s Management and Oversight of Fraud Control Arrangements for the Goods and Services Tax Auditor-General Report No.26 of 2023–24 Department of Home Affairs’ Regulation of Migration Agents Submissions to the inquiry addressing the terms of reference are invited by Thursday, 15 August 2024. Details of the inquiry – including the submissions received and public hearings – will be made available on the Inquiry website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit on (03) 9791 7770 (Electorate Office) or via Laura Hooper 0422 85 1127. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4615 jcpaa@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.