House debates Questions in Writing

Asylum Seekers (Question No. 429)

Tuesday, 16 August 2011 House of Representatives

Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

asked the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, in writing, on 16 June 2011:

What audit process is intended to be implemented to monitor and report on the disbursement of funds in Malaysia provided under the proposed irregular maritime arrangement, including how the Government will report to the Parliament, and whether the disbursement of funds will be subject to scrutiny by the Auditor-General and how often.

Chris Bowen

Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

The transfer arrangement with Malaysia will be managed in accordance with standard arrangements for agreements between governments. Disbursement of funds in Malaysia to organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration will be managed in accordance with standard requirements and processes for the expenditure of public money. The Department will report on its activities through its annual report, as required by section 63 of the Public Service Act 1999.