The auditor-general can deliver surprises, sometimes even a scandal: political, financial or personal.
Political? Think the “sports rorts” performance audit, which revealed Senator Bridget McKenzie had overridden Sports Australia’s selection for sports facility grants, directing the grants toward marginal or politically targeted electorates, leading to her quitting the frontbench.
Financial? Think the “Leppington Triangle” performance audit into the purchase of Leppington Triangle land in Bringelly, NSW, designated for a potential second runway at the Western Sydney Airport, which showed the Australian government had paid $30 million for land valued at $3 million.