On 10 December 2013, the Senate referred the following matter to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report.

That, noting paragraph (7) of the Senate order for departmental and agency contracts, the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 14 May 2014:

The operation of the Senate order for departmental and agency contracts, including:

1. developments in the online reporting on contracts (including Austender) which may be relevant to enabling departments and agencies to meet the requirements of the order;
2. the role of, and reporting by, the Auditor-General under the order; and
3. any other related matters.