Statement from the Controller and Auditor-General

Yesterday, I wrote to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and requested an independent person review my suitability for the role of Controller and Auditor-General.

I stand by the actions I took when Secretary for Transport, and know that I acted appropriately based on the information available to me at the time. However, the current media coverage about these matters has the potential to undermine the important constitutional role of the Controller and Auditor-General.

I am firmly committed to protecting the standing and reputation of the Office of the Auditor-General. While the review is under way, I am standing aside in favour of the Deputy Controller and Auditor-General, Greg Schollum, who has all the same statutory functions and powers.

I have no further comment to make on these matters while this process is under way.

Martin Matthews
Controller and Auditor-General