Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Tom McIlroy Political editor

‘A watchdog without resources is not a watchdog’: Labor accused of letting key accountability body languish

Independent Senator David Pocock speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Friday, April 24, 2026
David Pocock says the ANAO has uncovered serious failures by both Coalition and Labor governments and warned the auditor general was now being forced to cut audits and reports. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Labor has been accused inadequately funding one of the central institutions safeguarding public administration, with transparency advocates and independent David Pocock criticising commitments for the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) in this week’s budget.

Parliament’s Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has previously warned the Albanese government that the auditor general’s financial position is unsustainable and of “serious concern” – even as the number of government agencies and functions subject to oversight expands significantly.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.