31Annual reports and financial statements

#### 31 Annual reports and financial statements (1) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after the commencing day, prepare a report in relation to the operation of the Post Office Services during the year ended on 30 June 1975 together with a Balance Sheet and other financial statements in respect of that year in such form as the Treasurer approves and, if the commencing day is after 1 July 1975, a report in relation to the operation of those services, together with a Balance Sheet and other financial statements in such form as the Treasurer approves, in respect of the period commencing on 1 July 1975 and ending on the day immediately before the commencing day. (2) The Minister shall submit the financial statements prepared in accordance with subsection (1) to the Auditor‑General, who shall report to the Minister: (a) whether the statements are based on accounts and financial records kept in accordance with Part IVA of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901‑1974; (b) whether the statements are in agreement with the accounts and financial records and show fairly the financial operations and the state of the financial affairs of the Post Office Services; (c) whether the payments of amounts into and out of the Post Office Trust account during the year or period had been in accordance with that Part; (d) as to the adequacy of a provision referred to in paragraph 96H(4)(a) or (b) of that Act; and (e) as to such matters arising out of the statements as the Auditor‑General considers should be reported to the Minister. (3) The Minister shall cause a report and financial statements prepared in accordance with subsection (1) together with the report of the Auditor‑General, to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after receipt by the Minister of the report from the Auditor‑General. (4) The Australian Postal Commission and the Australian Telecommunications Commission shall provide the Minister with such assistance as he or she requires for the purpose of preparing a report and financial statements required to be prepared under this section.