The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has released its draft Audit program for the 2024-25 financial year and is inviting feedback.

The request for comments forms part of ANAO's effort to refine its upcoming annual work plan, with submissions due by April 19.

The ANAO, under the temporary leadership of acting auditor general Rona Mellor, is focusing on a broad spectrum of audits across various sectors. 

The draft hints at an extensive review of several departments, with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) likely to see a series of 15 potential audits.

High on the agenda are evaluations of the Australian Antarctic Program, the contentious Murray Darling Basin Plan revisions, and various decarbonisation efforts.

Defence appears to be a close second in focus, with 14 potential audits. Critical examinations may include the Collins Class submarine life extension and the assessment of Defence's ICT contract services risk management, among other areas. This follows findings from a 2022 audit highlighting the significant reliance on external contractors.

The Attorney-General's Department is expected to undergo 10 audits spanning legal and justice issues nationwide. A revisit of the 2017 audit on the administration of the Freedom of Information Act and assessments of the National Justice Reinvestment Unit and community-led justice initiatives are in the pipeline.

The National Disability Insurance Agency, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are also earmarked for audits. With a call for feedback, the ANAO says it wants to engage stakeholders directly in shaping its audit priorities. 

More details are accessible here.