Assurance and audit
Parliamentarians access public funds to enable them to conduct their parliamentary business. IPEA’s mandate, as expressed by the Australian Government, is to provide greater accountability and transparency of these expenses.
IPEA has responsibility for the following assurance functions:
- Monitoring the travel expenses and travel allowances of parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act staff
- Conducting audits relating to all work expenses, travel expenses and travel allowances claimed by parliamentarians
- Conducting audits relating to travel expenses and travel allowances claimed by MOP(S) Act staff.
Information relating to IPEA’s other functions can be found at the about IPEA page.
IPEA’s multi-layered approach to assurance takes into consideration the different types of parliamentary work expenses being accessed, and the need for public accountability.
The different approaches to assurance are outlined in IPEA’s Statutory audit function fact sheet.
Members of the Authority decide whether, or not, to publish their decision(s). View the published audits and rulings.
IPEA’s oversight provides assurance to the public, parliamentarians and their staff that parliamentary work expenses are being used in accordance with the Framework under which these expenses are prescribed. IPEA does this at arm’s length from government.
IPEA’s oversight role covers parliamentarians’ work expenses—including those administered by other agencies such as the Department of Finance—and staff travel expenditure matters.
When IPEA has, or becomes aware of, information that indicates possible non-compliance with the Framework, IPEA acts in accordance with its protocol for Dealing with Misuse of Parliamentary Work Expenses.
IPEA’s protocol sets out the scope of IPEA’s authority and powers, and the process IPEA follows in dealing with concerns of possible misuse.
IPEA does not generally respond to those who have raised concerns nor provide information on progress or any actions taken.
