Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Farrell, a supplementary question?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Farrell, a final supplementary question?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Why has the release of this audit again been delayed?

Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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.