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 2017–18.

Reports by the Australian National Audit Office

In 2017-18, the ANAO tabled two reports in parliament in relation to financial statement audits involving the department:

• Report No. 24, 2017-18: Audits of the Financial Statements of Australian Government Entities for the Period Ended 30 June 2017, tabled 20 December 2017, and
• Report No. 47, 2017-18: Interim Report on Key Financial Controls of Major Entities, tabled 14 June 2018.

During 2017-18 the ANAO did not conduct any performance audits of DPS’ operations.

Parliamentary Committees

Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee

DPS appeared before Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee Estimates hearings on 23 October 2017, 26 February 2018, and 21 May 2018. During 2017–18 the department responded to 183 questions on notice.

Judicial decisions, decisions of Administrative Tribunals

During 2017–18, 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 2017–18, there were no applications for review made to the Office of the Merit Protection Commissioner.

Fair Work Ombudsman

During 2017–18, there were no matters referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman for review.

Fair Work Commission

During 2017–18, there was one application lodged by a DPS employee in the Fair Work Commission for review. The application was withdrawn by the former employee in December 2017.