Parliamentarians access public funds for their work expenses 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’s Audit & Assurance section has responsibility for the following 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
- travel expenses and travel allowances claimed by MOP(S) Act staff.
Note: information relating to IPEA’s other functions can be found at the About IPEA page.
IPEA’s multi-layered approach to assurance takes account of 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 Factsheet.
- Statutory Audit Function Fact Sheet [PDF 710 KB]
- Statutory Audit Function Fact Sheet [DOC 236 KB]
Members of the Authority decide whether, or not, to publish their decision(s). Published audits and rulings can be viewed here.
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.