The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has announced its plan to conduct a performance audit on the effectiveness of the Australian Skills Quality Authority's (ASQA) fraud control arrangements. ASQA is the national regulator of the vocational education and training (VET) sector and plays a crucial role in ensuring the sector's integrity and quality.
The audit, scheduled for September 2024, will assess ASQA's fraud control measures across four key areas:
- Establishment of appropriate arrangements to manage fraud risks
- Implementation of mechanisms to prevent fraud and promote a culture of integrity
- Establishment of mechanisms to detect and respond to fraud
- Preparedness for the commencement of the revised Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Policy in July 2024
The ANAO's performance audits are designed to independently and objectively assess the administration of an entity's programs, policies, projects, or activities. The audits focus on the efficient and effective implementation of government programs, including the achievement of their intended benefits, rather than commenting on the merits of government policy.
As part of the audit process, the ANAO welcomes contributions from members of the public who may have information relevant to the assessment of ASQA's fraud control arrangements. The ANAO particularly values information that deals with significant matters or insights into the administration of the audit subject.
Individuals can submit information by uploading a file or entering their comments directly on the ANAO's website. While all contributions will be considered and handled with care, the ANAO may not provide automatic feedback about individual contributions. However, contributors who provide their contact details may be contacted regarding their input.
The ANAO emphasises that contributions are intermittently monitored, and those who provide a valid email address will receive an acknowledgement of their contribution via email.
The upcoming audit of ASQA's fraud control arrangements is an important step in ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the VET sector's regulatory framework. By assessing ASQA's preparedness and the robustness of its fraud control measures, the audit aims to identify areas for improvement and strengthen the sector's overall quality and reliability.
For more information, visit https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/fraud-control-arrangements-the-australian-skills-quality-authority
