External scrutiny

Our operations are subject to scrutiny from a number of external entities, including the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Australian Information Commissioners and various parliamentary committees. This section reports on inquiries, audits, reviews and legal actions relevant to DHA in 2014–15.

Australian National Audit Office

The ANAO did not release any reports relating specifically to DHA during 2014–15. However, they published six audit reports targeting all agencies, including DHA. Topics included business continuity management, confidentiality in government contracts, fraud control arrangements, limited tender procurement, and auditing of financial statements.

Commonwealth Ombudsman

The Commonwealth Ombudsman did not release any reports relating to DHA during 2014–15. However, they received 40 approaches concerning our business, 10 of which were the subject of investigation. One investigation is ongoing.

Parliamentary committees

Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

We come under the scrutiny of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade because we sit within the DoD portfolio.

During 2014–15, we were required to appear before the Committee at its Senate Estimate hearings on 22 October 2014 and 1 June 2015.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works

Our new development projects are no longer under the scrutiny of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, however, we must provide post implementation reports on projects previously endorsed by the Committee as they are completed.

Projects that we undertake on behalf of the DoD must still be referred to the Committee. During 2014–15, we were required to appear with DoD before the Committee once.

Independent reviews

In 2014–15, the Australian Government engaged Lazzard Pty Ltd and Ashurst Australia to undertake an independent scoping study into future ownership options of DHA.

In May 2015, after considering the study's findings, the Government confirmed that they would not proceed with privatising DHA at this time. They also announced they would undertake a supplementary review of our business practice in 2015–16.