The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has commenced three new inquiries. These inquires will consider: the approach of Commonwealth entities’ to cybersecurity and IT controls; Defence’s planning and implementation of the Collins Class Life of Type Extension project; and the Australian Taxation Office’s management of small business collectable debt.
Chair of the Committee, Mr Josh Burns MP, said that ‘the Committee has chosen these three new inquiries to focus on important issues raised in recent Australian National Audit Office reports’
1) Inquiry into Commonwealth entities’ approach to cybersecurity and IT controls
The Committee will examine the approach taken by Commonwealth entities to cybersecurity and IT controls, and whether existing frameworks and assurance arrangements are driving improvements. In particular, the Committee will inquire into: the role of the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Signals Directorate in establishing policy and guidance; entity oversight of the technical and governance aspects of cybersecurity, including risk management; and IT control weaknesses.
2) Inquiry into the Department of Defence’s Collins Class Submarines Life of Type Extension project
The Committee will examine Defence’s planning and implementation of the Collins Class Life of Type Extension project. The inquiry will have particular reference to: the evolution of the project; Defence’s advice to Government; the identification and assessment of options; expenditure and value for money; project, contract, governance, and risk management arrangements; and the assurance Defence can accurately provide that the revised strategy will maintain Collins class capability and availability through the transition to nuclear-powered submarines.
3) Inquiry into the Australian Taxation Office’s management of small business collectable debt
The Committee will examine the ATO’s management of small business collectable tax debt with reference to how the ATO is managing the growth of small business collectable debt, the ATO’s enterprise governance framework, performance transparency and benchmarking, and the balance between firmer debt collection action and fair and consistent treatment for taxpayers.
Submissions to these inquiries addressing the terms of reference are invited by Friday 16 October 2026.
Details of these inquiries – including terms of reference, submissions received and public hearing schedules – can be accessed on the committee’s website.
Media inquiries
Office of Mr Josh Burns MP, Chair
Kitty Middleton
0429 044 218
For background information
Committee Secretariat
02 6277 4615
[email protected]
For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.
