Senate debates Questions without Notice
Community Sport Infrastructure Program
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State
2:31 pm
My question is to the Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator Colbeck. I refer to the Australian National Audit Office's ongoing investigation into Senator McKenzie's mismanagement of the Community Sport Infrastructure grant program. This investigation was first due to report in September. Then it was listed for November, and, without any update from the minister, the National Audit Office website now reads January 2020. Did the minister, his office or any member of the government have any communication with the National Audit Office about the timing of this audit and its release?
Richard Colbeck Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians
2:32 pm
I thank Senator Farrell for the question. The timing of the release of the audit is a matter for the Australian National Audit Office. It's not something that I have sought or my office has sought. It is a function of the audit process being conducted by the Australian National Audit Office and is effectively a matter for them to decide as and when they will report it.
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State
When was the minister or his office first informed that this investigation into Senator McKenzie's mismanagement was taking longer than first expected?
Richard Colbeck Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians
2:33 pm
I'd disagree with the characterisation that Senator Farrell has put on the management of the program. My office became aware of the change in the date of reporting when it appeared on the ANAO website.
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State
Why has the release of this audit again been delayed?
Richard Colbeck Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians
Thanks, Senator Farrell. As I indicated in my answer to his primary question, that is a matter for the ANAO, and questions in relation to that would be best directed to the ANAO. It's not a matter for my department.