The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has tabled its report on the review of the operations of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), under sections 64S and 64T of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999.

Media release issue date: Monday, 19 October 2020

The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has tabled its report on the review of the operations of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), under sections 64S and 64T of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999. The purpose of the Committee’s inquiry was to report on: possible areas of reform to support the effective PBO operations; PBO implementation of recommendations of past reviews; and stakeholder relationships and engagement. The Committee concluded that the PBO is fulfilling its legislative mandate and is held in high regard by stakeholders. The PBO continues to inform the Parliament by providing independent and non-partisan analysis of the budget cycle, fiscal policy and the financial implications of proposals. To support the continuing effective operation of the PBO, the Committee has recommended legislative amendment to provide for an automatic referral process for independent review of the PBO, after a general election. Ms Lucy Wicks MP, Chair of the Committee, said, “This reform will provide for ongoing independent review of the PBO to meet the changing needs of the Parliament and enable the Committee to monitor PBO implementation of review recommendations over the life of the Parliament. It will also serve to further reinforce the independence of the PBO.” The Committee has also tabled its Annual Report for 2019-20. The report includes information on completed inquiries and reports tabled, and also highlights of the Committee’s activities for this period. Media inquiries Ms Lucy Wicks MP, Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit on (02) 6277 4738 (Parliament House) or (02) 4322 2400 (Electorate Office). For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4615 jcpaa@aph.gov.au

The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Friday, 7 February 2020 as part of the Inquiry into the Operations of the Parliamentary Budget Office 2019-20.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 5 February 2020

The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Friday, 7 February 2020 as part of the Inquiry into the Operations of the Parliamentary Budget Office 2019-20. The Committee will hear from a range of witnesses to understand how the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has implemented recommendations from previous reviews; key PBO stakeholder relationships and engagement; and any possible areas of reform to support the effective operation of the PBO. The public hearing program and further information about the inquiry is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Ms Lucy Wicks MP (02) 6277 4738 (Parliament House) (02) 4322 2400 (Electorate Office) For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4615 jcpaa@aph.gov.au

The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced a review of the operations of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) pursuant to section 64T of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 10 December 2019

  The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced a review of the operations of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) pursuant to section 64T of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999. The Committee will inquire into and report on: PBO implementation of the recommendations of the PBO Review 2016/17 Report of the Independent Review Panel; PBO implementation of the recommendations from 2014 Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Audit Report No. 446 Review of the Operations of the Parliamentary Budget Office; Stakeholder relationships and engagement; and Possible areas of reform to support the effective operation of the PBO. Ms Lucy Wicks MP, Chair of the Committee, said, ‘This review will provide an opportunity for the Committee to gain an understanding of how the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has improved since its previous independent review. The Committee will also examine options for possible areas of reform to support the effective operation of the PBO.’ Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Thursday, 23 January 2019. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information about the review is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Ms Lucy Wicks MP, Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit on (02) 6277 4738 (Parliament House) or (02) 4322 2400 (Electorate Office).  For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4615 jcpaa@aph.gov.au