The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has today released a report on its activities in the current Parliament.
“The Public Accounts Committee continued its important role of watchdog, monitoring Government performance and expenditure,” said Committee Chair Mr Jonathan O’Dea MP.
Since the 2011 election, the Committee has tabled 21 reports, taken evidence from 174 witnesses and made 241 recommendations, making it the most active and productive committee in Parliament.
“The current Committee has examined diverse, complex and important areas that involve expenditure worth billions, from energy generation to social housing. Implementing our recommendations has enabled Government to achieve savings and deliver better services,” said Mr O’Dea.
In its final report to Parliament, the PAC recommends key operational changes aimed at sharpening Government accountability through parliamentary committees, including:
- Halving the time Government has to respond to PAC and other committee recommendations from six to three months;
- Increasing the PAC Chair’s status in Parliament and strengthening Committee resources; and,
- Establishing a committee of chairs to promote communication and coordination between committees, as well as to consider mechanisms to follow up reports and pursue implementation of recommendations.
Further information can be obtained by visiting the Committee’s website at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/publicaccounts.
