Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The committee responsible for the oversight of the Parliamentary Budget Office—the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit—is required by legislation to consider the appointment of the Parliamentary Budget Officer as proposed by the Presiding Officers and to approve or reject this proposal. The committee is then required to report to both houses of the parliament on its decision. In accordance with the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, I am pleased to inform the parliament that the committee has approved the proposal that Dr Stein Helgeby be appointed as the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

The purpose of the Parliamentary Budget Officer is to support the parliament by providing independent and non-partisan analysis of the budget cycle, fiscal policy and the financial implications of proposals. Dr Helgeby has extensive experience in these areas and has held a range of positions in the Australian Public Service, including as deputy secretary in the Department of Finance for the last 10 years. Dr Helgeby has also held senior executive roles in the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. As Deputy Secretary, Budget and Financial Management, he was responsible for budget reporting and financial management frameworks.

The committee considers that Dr Helgeby's background, together with his public policy experience and familiarity with budget frameworks and fiscal policy issues, will enable him to ensure that the PBO continues their important work whilst maintaining the independent and non-partisan nature of the office. The committee looks forward to working with Dr Helgeby on his commencement in the PBO.

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