Brett Mason (Queensland, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Cameron for his contribution. The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment Bill 2014 before us, if enacted, would make a number of technical changes to clarify, simplify, enhance and improve the understanding and operation of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the supporting rules. The related legislation, which takes effect from 1 July this year, will modernise the Commonwealth's current financial accountability performance and reporting frameworks.

As Senator Cameron mentioned, the bill incorporates specific amendments in response to the recommendations of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit to reduce potential confusion regarding the duties of public officials who are subject to the conduct of the Australian Public Service.

The PGPA Act will also put beyond doubt the continuing powers of the Auditor-General to conduct a performance audit of a Commonwealth entity at any time. Corresponding adjustments on duties of officials will be included in the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2014, which will be introduced into parliament next week. Those amendments will also ensure symmetry of duties for those officials who are employed under the Parliamentary Service Act 1999.

The amendments contained within this bill support a better way for how the Commonwealth does its business. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.