Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea has been formally elected to Chair the NSW Parliament's crucial Public Accounts Committee.
At the first, purely procedural, meeting of the re-constituted Committee yesterday afternoon, Mr O'Dea was elected unopposed.
"I am delighted I can broaden my service to the people of New South Wales through the parliamentary committee structure and particularly through the important Public Accounts Committee," Mr O'Dea said.
The Public Accounts Committee scrutinises the actions of the Executive Branch of Government on behalf of the Legislative Assembly and recommends improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of Government activities.
Another key role is to follow up aspects of the NSW Auditor-General's reports to Parliament.
Mr O'Dea brings to the position a sound parliamentary record since 2007 and a strong professional background. Before entering Parliament, he worked as a lawyer in private and corporate practice for 5 years before moving into commercial and management roles for a decade. He has run niche financial services businesses in senior executive roles, and has been a non-executive board director of a company with over $1billion turnover.
"I look forward to working with my fellow committee members irrespective of political persuasions as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
"We are off to a quick start, with the second committee meeting dealing with substantive issues and a personal meeting with the NSW Auditor-General both to be held today", Mr O'Dea said.
NSW Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat has congratulated all members of the Public Accounts Committee on their appointments.
"I welcome the opportunity to meet with Mr O'Dea so soon and am confident we will all work well together to provide a valuable service to the Parliament and the people of NSW," Mr Achterstraat said.
