The Auditor‑General

Jara Dean
Northern Territory Auditor‑General

Jara Dean was appointed as Auditor-General effective 13 September 2024 by His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory.

Jara has over fifteen years of experience in providing assurance services within government and private sectors to a wide range of clients with current industry experience in senior executive roles.

While financial reporting and auditing has been the focus of Jara’s professional career, his work has also included performance and compliance audits, accounting advisory and business reviews. “My career aspiration has been to work in accounting or finance. I did not expect to become an auditor but my plans changed when I joined the Tasmanian Audit Office in 2005 after graduating from the University of Southern Queensland.”

Embracing new and often challenging opportunities and diverse roles across different parts of the Tasmania Audit Office, Jara has risen through the ranks and was ultimately appointed to the role of Assistant Auditor-General. It was in this role that he had the opportunity to positively contribute to policy developments leading to effective improvements within the public sector.

“Having now worked in different government and non-government sector organisations and industries, I bring a broad understanding of different drivers, ways to deliver, operational efficiencies, and customer-centric approach into the role of the Auditor-General.” These experiences will prove valuable in leading the Northern Territory Auditor-General’s Office and helping to shape future public policies and programs in the Territory.

Jara brings a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the role of the Auditor-General in holding the government sector accountable to Parliament through independent assurance and promoting transparency and accountability by reporting on public sector performance. “Independent public sector oversight agencies, such as the Northern Territory Auditor-General’s Office, are critical in building and maintaining the community’s trust and confidence in public institution. I am committed to integrity in government, not only through the powers conferred by the Audit Act but also by supporting good public administration in the Territory through balanced reporting and helping to build capability.”