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 2016–17.

Reports by the Australian National Audit Office

On 27 September 2016, the ANAO Performance Audit 2016–2017 No. 19 Managing Contracts at Parliament House was tabled. The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of DPS’ arrangements for managing contracts and retail licences, including the extent to which the department has implemented recommendations from the previous ANAO audit.

Parliamentary Committees

Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee

DPS appeared before Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee Estimates hearings on 17 October 2016, 27 February 2017 and 22 May 2017.

Judicial decisions, decisions of Administrative Tribunals

During 2016–17, there were no judicial or administrative tribunal decisions relating to DPS.

Freedom of Information

DPS is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), and therefore does not have an Information Publication Scheme. However, DPS has an administrative ‘information access’ policy. Under the policy, DPS responds, where it can, to requests for information, in the spirit of the FOI Act.

Office of the Merit Protection Commissioner

During 2016–17, six applications for review were made to the Office of the Merit Protection Commissioner. As at 30 June 2017, one of these matters remained under consideration.

Fair Work Ombudsman

During 2016–17, there were no matters referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman for review.

Fair Work Commission

During 2016–17, there was one matter that was referred to the Fair Work Commission for review and this was settled at conciliation.