House debates

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Questions in Writing

Asylum Seekers (Question No. 429)

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Chris BowenChris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | | Hansard source

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.