44Periodic review of Tasmanian Audit Office

44 Periodic review of Tasmanian Audit Office

(1)  The Tasmanian Audit Office is to be subject to a review of the efficiency, effectiveness and economy of its operations at least once in every period of 5 years.

(2)  The independent auditor may be engaged to conduct the review referred to in subsection (1) .

(3)  If the independent auditor is not also engaged under subsection (2) , the Treasurer is to appoint a registered company auditor within the meaning of the Corporations Act to conduct the review referred to in subsection (1) .

(4)  The Treasurer is to consult with the Auditor-General in regard to the terms and conditions of an appointment under this section.

(5)  The findings of the review under this section are to be submitted to the Public Accounts Committee.

(6)  Before the findings of the review are submitted to the Public Accounts Committee, the independent auditor must –

(a) give a summary of findings to the Auditor-General; and

(b) by written notice given to the Auditor-General, invite the Auditor-General to make submissions or comments on the content of the summary of findings before a specified day, being a day not less than 3 working days after the summary of findings is given to the Auditor-General.

(7)  The independent auditor must include in the findings of the review referred to in subsection (5) any submissions or comments made under subsection (6) before the specified day, or a fair summary of them.

(8)  Audit findings, decisions or recommendations reached by the Auditor-General during the course of the conduct of an audit are not subject to review under this section.